Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Live Report! (2/26/18)
All images courtesy of the WWE’s official Twitter.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Woman Tag: Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax & Mickie James VS Asuka, Bayley & Sasha Banks; Asuka, Bayley & Sasha win.
- Bray Wyatt VS Heath Slater w/ Rhyno; no contest.
- Seth Rollins VS The Miz w/ The Miztourage; Rollins wins.
- Finn Balor VS The Miz w/ The Miztourage; restarted as…
- No Disqualifications: Finn Balor VS The Miz; Balor wins.
- WWE Raw Tag Team Championship Best 2 out of 3 Falls Match: The Bar VS Titus Worldwide w/ Dana Brooke; The Bar wins and retains the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships.
- Braun Strowman VS Elias; Strowman wins by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Elimination Chamber made history.
Seven men, all of main event caliber, waged war inside the sinister steel structure. But it was The Monster Among Men who dominated and eliminated five men. It came down to familiar foes as Braun Strowman and Roman Reigns gave everything left they had. But in the end, three Superman Punches and two Spears were enough for The Big Dog to win his ticket to Wrestlemania. Of course, Strowman wasn’t finished with Roman as he still got the last Monster Slam and a pod-destroying toss. Roman may have won, but will it be Strowman that conquers the WWE?
Raw looks back to “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey’s contract signing.
The Baddest Woman on the Planet was almost brought to tears at the ovation from the fans in Las Vegas last night. Kurt Angle was excited, too, because he knew The Authority’s plan to “own the bitch” was coming to fruition. Angle also remembered Stephanie talking trash about Rousey. This angered the Rowdy Ronda, but COO HHH did his best to keep things calm. That is, until he got put through a table! Then Stephanie, in her anger, slapped Ronda. That only upset Ronda more, but Stephanie got away before Ronda could do anything. Ronda still signed her contract to Raw, but now she’ll have to “explain herself” to the WWE Universe. What will she have to say in response to last night’s rowdiness?
ALSO TONIGHT: Will the air be cleared between @StephMcMahon @TripleH @RealKurtAngle & @RondaRousey? #RAW's newly-signed Superstar will be here LIVE! pic.twitter.com/NDaUSkGOsN
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
Alexa Bliss and Mickie James head to the ring.
#RAW #WomensChampion @AlexaBliss_WWE is NOT alone as she heads to the ring to kick things off tonight…because @MickieJames still has her back! pic.twitter.com/ei3yLcdzaC
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
The Goddess is still Raw Women’s Champion after the inaugural Six Women Elimination Chamber match, but that doesn’t take away from the former Six-Time Women’s Champion’s stellar performance. Alexa reflects on the historic moment, as well as marvels at herself. The fans have no idea how amazing it feels to retain in such a historic match. She defied the odds and set a new standard, and the WWE Universe will talk about this for the next 50 years. February 25th, 2018 is the day Alexa changed the game #ThenNowAndForever.
But she’s not selfish, so she gives credit to “this amazing woman”, Mickie James. Mickie showed everyone why she is a Six-Time Woman’s Champion and future Hall of Fame candidate. They’ve had their “rough friendship” moments, but Alexa has learned so much from her, and everyone in the locker room can. Speaking of the locker room: Absolution has a bright future, but not while Alexa’s here; Sasha Banks & Bayley, Alexa has harsh words, but she doesn’t want to be “that person”. Never mind, she’ll say it. Bayley is a “sad situation” and Sasha, the other finalist, was taken down by her massive ego. This isn’t the Boss’ year. Ever since Alexa came to Raw, it has been her year, which is why she’s head to Wrestlemania.
First ☝️ of the night!#RAW @AlexaBliss_WWE @WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/fBan7G9Bik
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 27, 2018
Alexa points to the sign, she’s always wanted to do that. It feels good. But then she’ll feel even better when Alexa breaks Asuka’s Streak. Oh, speaking of break, will Asuka be in good shape? Nia Jax wrecked Asuka last night, and Alexa will “finish the job.” But speaking of Asuka, here she comes!
Look who's suddenly emerged…
The #EmpressOfTomorrow @WWEAsuka! #RAW pic.twitter.com/xIejZBKilO
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
Asuka storms into the ring, but Alexa has her slow down. “Are you kidding me?” But the fans sing, “Asuka’s gonna kill~ you!” Alexa thinks it’s funny that Asuka is acting like she’s 100%. She’s not fooling anyone, Nia Jax humiliated and crushed her. And Alexa thought, “I wish I was Nia. Nia will definitely be added to the Wrestlemania match, where she deserves to be.” But unfortunately, one little move and it doesn’t go that way. Alexa believes Nia deserves to be in that match. Alexa says it slower so Asuka and her bad English can understand. Asuka, wipe that smile off your face before Alexa has Mickie do it for you.
.@WWEAsuka seems to be understanding @AlexaBliss_WWE just fine…#RAW pic.twitter.com/AjMarrxM06
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
But Mickie won’t have to, here comes Nia!
The Irresistible Force hits the ring, Asuka hits Alexa and Mickie! But then Nia runs Asuka over! With flashbacks to last night, Nia uses her power to lift Asuka, but Asuka brings her down in a triangle! Mickie and Alexa return to fight off Asuka! But then Bayley and Sasha Banks hit the ring! They even the numbers and fight off Alexa and Mickie. However, Nia runs them over, too! Asuka gets up and kicks Nia back down, but Alexa gets the sucker punch! The Goddess and her allies take their leave of Asuka, Bayley and Banks. With things this tense, will the champion and challenger even make it to Wrestlemania?
Tensions are running higher than ever in the #RAW Women's division, but @AlexaBliss_WWE still stands at the top of it all… BLISSFULLY! pic.twitter.com/ybtSGDLNlp
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 27, 2018
Six Woman Tag: Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax & Mickie James VS Asuka, Bayley & Sasha Banks!
Seems that scuffle won’t be the end of this. We now have a big opening match of the Goddess and her allies against The Empress and apparent best friends in The Hugger and the Boss. Bayley and Mickie start with the bell, Mickie gets the wristlock. Bayley rolls and reverses, but Mickie reverses back. Mickie puts on a headlock, but Bayley powers out. Mickie runs Bayley over, then things speed up. Bayley gets Mickie into a corner, then bumps her off buckles. Mickie kicks back, then runs but Bayley evades to scoop and slam. Bayley drops an elbow, covers, TWO. Bayley whips Mickie but Mickie elbows back, and then hits the Mick-canrana. Mickie runs Bayley over, covers, TWO.
Tag to Nia, and the Brutal Beauty headbutts Bayley in the ribs. Nia taunts little Bayley but Bayley hits back. Bayley ends up in a corner, Nia squashes her. Nia tags in Alexa, and ALexa clubs Bayley down. Alexa bumps Bayley off buckles then stomps a mudhole into her. The ref counts and Alexa lets up, but then Bayley flapjacks Alexa off buckles. Bayley gives Alexa buckle bumps over and over, getting up to 10. Snapmare to cover, TWO. Bayley runs to clobber Alexa with an elbow, TWO. She brings Alexa up and Sasha tags in suddenly. Sasha rolls Alexa, TWO, but Sasha runs to drop double knees. TWO, but Sasha keeps on Alxa.
Alexa fights back but can’t get away. She fires more forearms but Sasha brings her down in a drop toehold to crucifix pin, TWO. Alexa whips Sasha to a corner but Sasha reverses. Sasha runs in, ends up on the apron, but hits Alexa with a stiff knee. Alexa sits down, Sasha hits a wrecking ball knee drop. Cover, TWO, and Alexa gets out of the ring. Mickie checks on Alexa but Sasha gets them both with a wrecking ball dropkick. She puts Alexa in the ring, but then Nia runs Sasha over!
Not like most, and here's why…#RAW #6WomanTag @NiaJaxWWE pic.twitter.com/7G1iqdY2T7
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 27, 2018
Bayley comes over to check on her friend whiel Nia grins down at her. Alexa drags Sasha up and in, covers, TWO! Alexa slams Sasha’s face off the mat before pulling her hair. She wraps Sasha in a chinlock, but the fans rally for Sasha. Sasha gets up and fights out, but Alexa knees low and throws her into ropes. Alexa stomps Sasha and Sasha slips out of the ring while we go to break.
Raw returns and now Nia has Sasha in a chinlock. The fans rally, and Sasha jawbreakers out. She reaches for her partners but is short by just inches as Nia catches her!
SO CLOSE, yet SO FAR as @NiaJaxWWE continues to PUNISH @SashaBanksWWE! #RAW #6WomanTag pic.twitter.com/vnOsdqbQvF
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 27, 2018
Nia powers Sasha to an open corner! She rocks Sasha with a headbutt, then chokes her against ropes. The ref counts and Nia lets up at 4. Nia tags in Mickie, and Mickie snapmares Sasha into a running kick. Cover, TWO, but Mickie keeps her cool as she wraps Sasha in a chinlock. The fans cheer for Sasha again, but Mickie keeps on The Boss with more wrenching. Sasha gets to her feet but Mickie brings her back and tags Alexa. Alexa stomps another mudhole, then drags Sasha out for the skateboard stomps. She lets up at 4, covers, TWO.
Alexa taunts Bayley and Asuka with a possible tag, but wraps Sasha back in a chinlock. The fans keep rallying, Sasha gets out again, but Alexa runs her over. Alexa sucker punches Asuka!
Champ doin' champ things…#RAW #6WomanTag @AlexaBliss_WWE pic.twitter.com/Ex03oQxoqT
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
She grins as she goes back to Sasha. Sasha suplex counters, and both women are down. The two crawl for their corners, Sasha wants the tag on Bayley, but Bayley hops down?! She got Sasha back for the betrayal, and Mickie pounces! Sasha slips out of the waistlock, and rolls Mickie, TWO! Tag to Asuka!
Asuka rallies on MIckie with furious strikes. She builds speed, hip attack! Nia comes in but gets a swift roundhouse. Asuka runs but Mickie kicks back, only to run into the pop-up knee! Asuka’s not done there, she kicks away on Mickie. She takes Nia out with a hip attack, then buzzsaw on Mickie! Alexa breaks the pin just in time! Saido suplex on Alexa from Bayley! Mickie goes for the neckbreaker, Asuka gets the armbar! Mickie taps, Asuka and team wins! They weren’t all that cohesive, but a win is a win. Will Asuka maintain her streak past Wrestlemania? Will Bayley and Sasha ever go back to being friends?
Not the most cohesive team effort, but @WWEAsuka picks up the victory on her path to @WrestleMania!@itsBayleyWWE & @SashaBanksWWE might need to have a talk… #RAW pic.twitter.com/gpR4BfrR5G
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
Raw Talk had John Cena share his thoughts after the Elimination Chamber match.
No one has put more pressure on the Face that Runs the Place than Cena himself. “The cards aren’t falling my way and here we are.” Cena has no ticket to the Grandest Stage of Them All, yet. He has a plan, but all he can say is, “I’ll figure it out.” Cena will appear live up next, what more has he to say on his Wrestlemania plan?
John Cena heads to the ring!
More important words to live by than EVER before…#RAW #NeverGiveUp @JohnCena pic.twitter.com/arTsWc0407
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
He looks up to the Wrestlemania sign as he hears the fans dueling, “Let’s Go Cena!” “Cena sucks!” Cena then looks at the camera and says, “Last night, I failed.”
"Last night, I failed." – @JohnCena #RAW pic.twitter.com/kA4BUF0bhc
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 27, 2018
In the atmosphere of it all, he was then rushed to a room to speak, and he felt “demoralized.” Failure is tough to deal with, and from the fans in attendance, they’re having him go through his failure alone. Cena knows where he is. Character isn’t judged when you’re riding high, it’s when “your back is against the wall.” For Cena, he has come up against that wall. He spent five minutes feeling sorry for himself, then moved forward. Cena knows he said he’ll figure out his Road to Wrestlemania. He thought he’d get there through the Royal Rumble, but no. He thought it would be the Elimination Chamber, but no. Cena thought it was over, and fans know no other superstar would ever admit it like he does.
Cena lets the fans cheer, jeer and boo as they see fit, “because when you say you fail, the disappointment is on you.” Failure gives you two choices: stay down or get up. He got up, and he has figured it out! He challenges, THE UNDERTAKER!!
CHALLENGE MADE! @JohnCena has FIGURED IT OUT…in the form of challenging The #Undertaker at @WrestleMania! #RAW pic.twitter.com/ho9VlMMDOz
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
The fans go wild, chanting “YES! YES!” A total of 39 Wrestlemanias and yet Cena and Taker have never faced each other. “You want Wrestlemania? That IS Wrestlemania!”
But that match won’t happen. Because Cena doesn’t make the matches, and that match isn’t happening because that match is “impossible”. Now everyone understands disappointment. Cena could stay down or get up, and he prefers getting up. His Road to Wrestlemania shall now go through SmackDown!
It CAN'T HAPPEN?!@JohnCena has been told a @WrestleMania match with The #Undertaker is IMPOSSIBLE, so he's heading to #SDLive TOMORROW NIGHT to try and EARN his way to #WrestleMania! pic.twitter.com/zVDWQaSrTW
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 27, 2018
The Free Agent will show up on SmackDown not to beg, but to “do whatever it takes” to earn a Wrestlemania moment. With that, Cena drops his mic, takes his leave, and heads for the Blue Brand tomorrow night. Who will step up to take on the leader of the Cenation on the Road to Wrestlemania!?
Bray Wyatt VS Heath Slater w/ Rhyno!
The Great War crossed through the Elimination Chamber Pay-Per-View, and with some mind games, WOKEN Matt Hardy defeated the Eater of Worlds to make their series 1-1. As such, he takes his frustrations out on the unsuspecting ManBeast as he knocks him out of the ring!
The #EaterOfWorlds @WWEBrayWyatt is NOT in the mood after losing to @MATTHARDYBRAND last night at #WWEChamber… #RAW pic.twitter.com/rUMrQzBkfx
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
Wyatt defends against Slater, then runs him over with the body check! Rhyno returns, only to get the yurinagi! Wyatt laughs but the fans chant, “DELETE! DELETE!” Even so, Wyatt does his spider walk and targets Slater, hitting a big corner clotheslines. He rains rights on Slater, then grins as he brings him back up. Wyatt dances with the limp Slater, before reeling him into the Sister Abigail! Then one to Rhyno! This was no match, but Wyatt has won something. Or is it that he’s lost something?
Bray Wyatt calls out to Matt Hardy.
“Look what you made me do.” Hardy made him hurt innocent men. This is Hardy’s fault! “You led them to slaughter.” The Great War is far from over. They will face each other once more. But this time, Wyatt will make sure those “WOKEN Eyes stay shut forever!” Wyatt laughs and says he’s coming for Hardy. “Run.”
"The Great War is FAR from over, my friend. You will face me again, but…I will make sure that your WOKEN eyes stay shut forever!" – @WWEBrayWyatt #RAW pic.twitter.com/xdekdcJ12K
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
The Miz and his Miztourage head to the ring!
#RAW just got even more… AWWWWWEEEEEEESSSSSSOOOOMMMMMEEEEEE!@mikethemiz @TheBoDallas @RealCurtisAxel pic.twitter.com/F3VxC6IHep
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
The Intercontinental Champion didn’t win the Elimination Chamber. In fact, he was the first one eliminated. But he still has that Intercontinental Championship, and is still on his own Road to Wrestlemania. “And it stops in Anaheim?” They’re just 45 minutes from Los Angeles, “a city with star power”! Miz could see Jennifer Lawrence while pitching ideas to Michael Bay, but no, he’s in “a bonafide suburb.” Maybe, if you’re lucky, you could get a picture with someone dressed as Donald Duck. But Kurt Angle takes his stars for granted. In 62 days, he will be the all-time longest (combined) reigning Intercontinental Champion!
When the title goes up, your mouth goes ?.
In 62 DAYS, @mikethemiz will become the longest-reigning #ICChampion of ALL-TIME! #RAW pic.twitter.com/u5kUQgVdyk
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 27, 2018
Not Shawn Michaels, not Bret Hart, not Pedro Morales, not Edge, not Chris Jericho, not even Roman Reigns! It’s all going to be MIZ!
He’s even bigger outside the ring. Miz IS the Marine movie franchise, and he and his wife are the stars of the newest sensation, Miz & Mrs. You better cheer that. They don’t. All his accolades, yet Miz is treated no better than any other superstar. In fact, worse! Miz’s face isn’t anywhere! He should be the main event of Wrestlemania! Miz should take Lesnar 1v1 to become the first-ever dual Universal and Intercontinental Champion!
But no, he was forced to start the Chamber match with two men who shouldn’t have even been in the match. Angle handed Finn Balor and Seth Rollins opportunities while Miz is punished. Miz is sick of the disrespect! He doesn’t care what happens to anyone else, he will keep his dream alive because he has the IC title. Everyone take a really good look at it, for it is the “most prestigious and honorable title in all of the WWE!” And since he has it, The Miz demands from Angle, “I want to know what the Intercontinental Champion is doing at Wrestlemania.” And what is he doing? Angle told Miz, “You’re opponent tonight might determine who you face at Wrestlemania.”
Tonight, @mikethemiz's opponent MIGHT determine who he faces at @WrestleMania…and he doesn't like that. #RAW pic.twitter.com/g4RCk0YbJR
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
Might?! Miz carried this show for almost a year, made his title more relevant than the Universal Championship, and yet he only gets might! He’s been here for 12 years, yet “might” is all he gets? Then whoever it is that comes out, you’re getting a beating, no matter what. But who is it that comes out? Seth Rollins!
#MondayNightRollins.#RAW @WWERollins pic.twitter.com/u5nMCIMNxe
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
Seth Rollins VS The Miz w/ The Miztourage!
The Architect has yet to be Intercontinental Champion, is this going to be the key to his Grand Slam completion?
We are UNDERWAY on #RAW as @WWERollins takes on #ICChampion @mikethemiz! Could this determine Miz's opponent at @WrestleMania? pic.twitter.com/Qgy2nQBwqu
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 27, 2018
The bell rings, and after Miz confers with The Miztourage, he circles with Rollins. They tie up, Miz gets the headlock, but Rollins powers out. Miz runs him over, then speeds up. Rollins hip tosses Miz down, then snapmares him into a running kick, but Miz gets clean and free. Miz and Rollins circle again, Miz pulls hair to put Rollins in a corner. The ref counts, Miz backs off, and Rollins dodges his sucker punch. Miz dodges Rollins’ own punch, but Rollins runs him over with a shoulder. Rollins speeds things up again, but blocks the hip toss into a knee and snapmare. Now Rollins gets the Penalty Kick! He then clotheslines Miz right out of the ring.
The Miztourage help Miz up, but Rollins builds speed. Miz and his boys get clear, but Rollins pursues. Miz tries to attack but Rollins sees it coming and counter punches. Rollins keeps the Miztourage back, then puts Miz back in the ring. Rollins takes aim but Bo distracts, Miz knocks Rollins down and into barriers! Miz comes out to fetch Rollins while The Miztourage applauds. Miz drops Rollins onto the barrier, then puts him in the ring. Cover, TWO, but Miz keeps on Rollins with elbows into his shoulders. Miz wraps on a chinlock, but fans rally for Rollins. The Architect gets up to his feet and jawbreakers out of the hold. He then whips Miz, but Miz reverses, kitchen sink knee sits Rollins down. Miz catches his breath, and decides to start up the It Kicks!
The world-famous IT KICKS!
We'll let you decide who made them famous…#RAW @mikethemiz pic.twitter.com/ZfEkyzJqta
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
He kicks and kicks, but fans say “No!” each time. Miz prepares the buzzsaw, but Rollins ducks and rolls Miz up! TWO, but Rollins chops Miz back. He keeps chopping, then whips Miz. Miz holds ropes, then dumps Rollins all the way out! The champion has control while we go to break.
Raw returns and both men are slowly standing back up. Miz throws a haymaker, but Rollins gives on back. Miz goes again, but so does Rollins. Now Miz kicks low, but Rollins chops and punches him to a corner. Rollins runs in but is put on the apron. He knocks Miz away, then springboards for the flying clothesline! Rollins keeps going, Slingblade! He boots Miz away, then hops up, for the flying blockbuster! Cover, TWO! Rollins won’t let that deter him, he gets to the top rope. He takes aim but Miz rolls away to the far side. Rollins hops down and walks over, but Miz yanks him into the ropes. Miz hits the low DDT! Cover, TWO!
Rollins rolls to ropes while Miz catches his breath. The fans duel while Miz hits a running dropkick in the corner. He goes corner to corner and hits a second dropkick! Miz runs in and hits his A-Lister clothesline, then dumps Rollins out. Now Miz climbs up to the top, but Rollins trips him up. Rollins climbs up to join Miz, but Miz resists. Miz fights back with body shots, then headbutts Rollins down. Rollins returns to SUPERPLEX and roll through to Falcon Arrow! Cover, TWO! Both men are down but stirring. The fans know “This is Awesome!” Rollins takse aim at Miz, and mule kicks him. He runs but Axel hooks a foot. Miz goes for the Finale but Rollins rolls him up, TWO! Miz swings but Rollins dodges to DIVE on the Miztourage!
Stay OUT of #TheArchitect's WAY!#RAW @WWERollins pic.twitter.com/EjcfIiCASP
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
Rollins hurries back into the ring an clotheslines Miz out. The fans are all fired up, Rollins builds speed to DIVE again! He takes everyone out, then puts Miz in, for Revolution Knee! Rollins won’t stop there, he climbs up from the far side! BIG Frog Splash!! Rollins wins! He pins the Intercontinental Champion! Will The Architect challenge for the title at Wrestlemania?
WHAT A VICTORY for @WWERollins, but someone's here to crash the party…#RAW pic.twitter.com/JM5CPm9Jx9
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
But wait! Finn Balor appears!
…and his name is @FinnBalor! #RAW pic.twitter.com/zfzT95AXSR
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
The Extraordinary Man, inaugural Universal Champion, and familiar foe to Rollins, is here, but why? Just to ruin Rollins’ moment? Rollins leaves and we go to break.
Finn Balor VS The Miz w/ The Miztourage!
That’s right, ladies and gentlemen, The Miz must wrestle a second match, against the 100% Finn Balor! Can he even hope to win after what he just went through with Rollins?
The bell still rings, but Miz is reluctant to have any part of this. He circles with Finn, and The Miztourage come in to attack! The match is thrown out, but Bo and Axel keep stomping on Finn. Bo feeds Finn to Axel’s DDT!
Like The #Miztourage was REALLY about to let @mikethemiz compete AGAIN… #RAW @FinnBalor pic.twitter.com/FqHHgXG4YX
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 27, 2018
Then Miz has them bring Finn up, but The Club come to the rescue! Anderson & Gallows fight off The Miztourage for Finn, and the fans chant “Too Sweet! Woop Woop!” Gallows throws Bo out, then Anderson throws Axel. Finn and Miz are alone in the ring while the brawl continues outside. Miz stalks Finn, but Angle says to stop right there. Angle said that Miz was going to have a match with Balor, and now the others are ejected from ringside to start this match over. There must be a winner, or Miz won’t be at Wrestlemania at all. The Good Brothers and The Miztourage leave, and the match restarts.
No Disqualifications: Finn Balor VS The Miz!
Finn says he’s ready, the bell rings, Miz hits his A-List clothesline! Miz hurries with a low DDT, covers, TWO! Miz keeps on Finn with a rain of lefts, then the low boot. Cover, TWO! The frustration grows but Miz keeps on Finn by throwing him out. He slips out the side and goes over to Finn, but Finn fights back. Finn chops and punches Miz, then throws him into steel steps. Finn puts Miz back in the ring, but Miz kicks him away. Miz keeps kicking, then boots Finn to a corner. Miz brings Finn out and suplexes him, cover, TWO. He tries another low DDT, cover, TWO! Miz is frustrated with Finn, but both men stand up.
.@mikethemiz = ?
He battles @FinnBalor in a #NoDQ match RIGHT NOW on #RAW…with EVERYONE barred from ringside! pic.twitter.com/6uWAYYTtMR
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
Finn throws hands, Miz knees low. Miz runs, and hits a shotgun knee on Finn! TWO, and Finn gets to ropes while we go to break.
Raw returns to Miz grinding Finn with a chinlock. The fans rally for Finn, and Rollins watches from backstage. Finn gets up and jawbreakers free. Miz checks his teeth then throws a haymaker, but Finn Pele kicks Miz down! The referee begins a ten count, and Finn moves first. He gets to a corner, Miz runs in but Finn boots him away. Finn rallies on Miz with forearms, then the takedown to double stomps!
The fans fire up while Finn flexes. He gives Miz a running chop, then whips him corner to corner for another chop. Finn whips Miz again, but Miz boots him away. Miz hops up, Finn swings a kick and that brings Miz down, for the elbow drop DDT! Cover, TWO! Though surprised, Finn doesn’t slow down. He gets up and gets to a corner to aim at Miz. He runs out but Miz reverses. Finn slips out of the Finale to a roll up, TWO! Miz goes again, A-List combo! Cover, TWO!
Miz’s frustration grows, but he stands up and aims at Finn. He swings a kick but Finn dodges and kicks back. Finn gives Miz those “It Kicks”! He runs and dropkicks Miz down, TWO! Miz rolls out of the ring, but Finn slips out the other side. Finn runs around the corner, to blast Miz with a dropkick! More flexing before Finn puts Miz in the ring. Finn Slingblades Miz down, then blasts him with another dropkick! Now Finn climbs up high, and the fans fire up as he hits Coup de Grace! Finn wins! Has Finn earned himself an Intercontinental Championship match now?!
With @WWERollins looking on, @FinnBalor ALSO earns a victory over @mikethemiz TONIGHT! #RAW pic.twitter.com/y9qV789QVe
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.
He has no idea what to make of Finn beating a guy he just beat. That’s not how you prove yourself. You prove yourself by lasting 65 minutes in a gauntlet. But they both came up short in the Chamber, so where does that leave Rollins for Wrestlemania? Rollins has learned that “There is more than one road to Wrestlemania.” He knows how to pave his own way, because he wants that Intercontinental Champion! The Architect goes for the Grand Slam, but will he have to worry about the Extraordinary Man on the way?
He just made no bones about it…@WWERollins WANTS @mikethemiz for the #ICTitle at @WrestleMania! #RAW pic.twitter.com/ZmYAK7dTMW
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
Roman Reigns heads to the ring.
#TheBigDog is in the building.#RAW @WWERomanReigns pic.twitter.com/h5v8zFiZWb
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
The Big Dog won the Elimination Chamber and is now the #1 Contender to the Universal Championship. And since The Advocate to The Beast promised his client would be here tonight, Roman has come out to hold up his end of the promised face-to-face encounter. After hearing out the cheers and the jeers, Roman speaks.
“I’m a man of my word.” Roman said he would win, and he did. So when he says he’ll go to Wrestlemania and beat Brock Lesnar, he’s telling the truth. But speaking of the truth, “I don’t know why I’m covering for this guy.” The truth is that Lesnar isn’t actually here. Up until 30 minutes ago, we all thought he was going to be here, but nope. No one else will say it but Roman will, Lesnar is “an entitled piece of crap who hides behind his contract.”
.@WWERomanReigns has HAD IT with @BrockLesnar.#RAW pic.twitter.com/gXUZUiVe2Q
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
Just think about it! Six weeks away and the Universal Champion isn’t here? They were in Vegas, he was there, but not the Chamber. He was hanging out with Dana White and the UFC! Why? Because Lesnar doesn’t respect Roman, the fans or the locker room. Roman is sick of it, everyone is, and “we all know it!” Every week, the other superstars “bust our ass” but Lesnar shows up when the money or the venue is right. But it doesn’t matter, Roman will be there, because he says he will.
Brock and Paul will show up later and say they’re business men, but Roman was born to this business. His family bloodline IS the business! Roman learned early on that there’s a fine line between business and respect. And he’ll say this right now: “I don’t respect Brock Lesnar. And I damn sure don’t fear that bitch.” That’s all he has to say, and now he’ll go back and get chewed out for the sake of his respect for this business. Mic drop and some actually applause, has Roman just fired the first shot?
"I don't respect @BrockLesnar."
? #RAW @WWERomanReigns pic.twitter.com/6btA4fkM2y
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 27, 2018
Braun Strowman speaks.
“I may not have won the Elimination Chamber match, but I saved us all from any more of Elias’ noise pollution.” Tonight, Strowman will perform a symphony of destruction that is a literal smash hit! Can The Drifter survive another run in with the Monster Among Men?
WWE Raw Tag Team Championship Best 2 out of 3 Falls Match: The Bar VS Titus Worldwide w/ Dana Brooke!
In case you haven't heard…THEY. ARE. THE BAR!#RAW @WWECesaro @WWESheamus pic.twitter.com/omki020xwd
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
There will be no more flukes and no more lucky shots between the Swiss Cyborg, Celtic Gladiator or the Real Deal’s rising brand. One team will decisively win and be the champions, who will the odds favor this close to Wrestlemania?
#TitusWorldwide is FEELIN' IT heading into this #2OutOf3Falls match against @WWECesaro & @WWESheamus!#RAW @TitusONeilWWE @WWEApollo pic.twitter.com/fZdtJfdGxw
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 27, 2018
Sheamus and Titus start, but then Cesaro speeds by. BROGUE, The Bar gets the first fall fast! They used brains and brawn, and celebrate like they’ve already won the whole thing.
But JUST LIKE THAT, confidence is gone as @WWESheamus nails a quick #BrogueKick to put #TheBar up 1-0 over @TitusONeilWWE & @WWEApollo!#RAW #2OutOf3Falls pic.twitter.com/CYqGjjRBMV
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 27, 2018
Apollo helps Titus regroup, and Cesaro comes in to start the second fall with Apollo.
They tie up, Cesaro knees low and whips, but Apollo fights back. Apollo flies, covers, TWO. Roll up, ONE, small package, ONE. Apollo tries the victory roll, TWO, and Cesaro rocks him with a right. Tag to Sheamus, and Sheamus goes after Apollo. Corner to corner whip but Apollo goes up and over to then dropkick Sheamus down. Cover, ONE, but Apollo keeps on Sheamus. Sheamus gets loose but Titus tags in. Sheamus wants nothing to do with an angry Gator, but too late! Titus puts him in a corner. Sheamus knees low, tags Cesaro in, but Titus runs him over.
Titus glares at Sheamus, but blocks Cesaro’s roll with power. He chops Cesaro, then chops him again. Tag to Apollo, and Titus throws him in for the shoulder tackle. Cesaro is fed to a scoop slam, then Apollo adds a leaping elbow drop. TWO, but Apollo keeps Cesaro grounded. He tags Titus back in, they double whip and shoulder Cesaro back down. Titus drags Cesaro up then whips him hard into buckles. Sheamus wants a tag, but stays back when Titus looks his way. Apollo tags back in, he lifts Cesaro and then drops him. “Worldwide~!” standing moonsault!
Feast your eyes on the STRENGTH of @WWEApollo!#RAW #2OutOf3Falls pic.twitter.com/6Dt8FWvgxP
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
TWO! Sheamus swings at Apollo but Apollo knocks him down, then asai moonsaults on The Bar! The champions aren’t as in control as they thought while we go to break.
Raw returns and Cesaro keeps Apollo back from his corner. Cesaro reaches for his own tag but APollo reels him back into forearms. Apollo keeps throwing forearms but Cesaro whips, only for Apollo to send Cesoar flying out! The fans rally while Apollo crawls but Cesaro tags Sheamus first. Sheamus intercepts and throws Apollo to ropes. Apollo slips out of the scoop to tag Titus! Titus rallies and chops away on Sheamus.
No question about it…@TitusONeilWWE is bringing the ????? TONIGHT! #RAW #2OutOf3Falls pic.twitter.com/JrJXtdbHX4
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 27, 2018
He then throws Sheamus across the ring! Titus storms over but Sheamus boots him away, only to walk into the powerslam! The fans bark with Titus, and he runs in corner to corner for the corner splash. Titus also takes out Cesaro, then lifts Sheamus, Dominator slam! TWO!
But that won’t slow Titus Worldwide! Apollo tags in, goes top rope, big splash! Csaro barrels in for the break, so Titus throws him back out. Sheamus throws Titus out, but Apollo rolls Sheamus! TWO, enziguri! Standing moonsault again, TWO! Apollo and Sheamus are both down, but Apollo is stirring. Cesaro trips up Titus but Titus clobbers Cesaro. Sheamus clobbers Titus then throws him into barriers, but then Apollo FLIES! Apollo puts Sheamus in, climbs up but has to fight off Cesaro. Sheamus kicks Apollo’s feet out then tags Cesaro. The Bar hits A-Swiss-ted White Noise! The Bar wins and retain in the 2-0 sweep!
They just proved it again…
THE BAR completes the 2️⃣-0️⃣ SWEEP of #TitusWorldwide to RETAIN their #RAW #TagTeamTitles! pic.twitter.com/GT9GYN4xRm
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
Is this the end of second chances at the Raw Tag Team Championships for Titus Worldwide?
In-ring interview with The Bar.
Titus Worldwide looked to have their number, but The Bar now has Titus’ number, and it’s ZERO. Two men walk into The Bar, and then nothing. Nothing walks into this Bar and ever gets up. Just ask The New Day, the Hardys, Rollins & Ambrose- Well, Ambrose got up, but his arm didn’t. Sheamus remembers now, they took out Jason Jordan. Who? Exactly. But Wrestlemania is coming, and everyone wants their moment. The Bar might be punished because of how dominant they are! To be honest, who is there left to face after there’s no one left to beat? But that’s just how it is when you are The Bar!
"Who is there to face if there's no one left to BEAT?" – @WWESheamus #RAW pic.twitter.com/CCnEhLySDl
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 27, 2018
WWE and Raw proudly present the Warrior Award’s 2018 recipient.
Jarrius “JJ” Robertson, diagnosed with a chronic liver disease, was on the brink of death. But once the ventilation machine went off, his was able to breath on his own. His liver would continue to be a problem, and he’d have sleepless nights. After a second liver transplant, JJ realized his calling: “It takes lives to save lives!” JJ would unite and inspire people with his unstoppable optimism. And after waiting for so long, he would receive his second liver. Now he’s on the up trend, and his positive energy continues to spread.
Meet this year's recipient of the #WarriorAward as part of the @WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2018… @Jarrius "J.J." Robertson! #WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/ggENx73Ces
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
“Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.”
Hello, Anaheim.#RAW @IAmEliasWWE pic.twitter.com/j3hmgeZus2
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
He tunes up as always, and then asks Anaheim, “Who Wants to Walk with Elias?!” The fans give him a mixed reaction. Hold on to that feeling, because that is what it’s like to be in the presence of greatness. Elias knows Anaheim doesn’t know what that’s like. Things didn’t go as planned in the Chamber, but Elias’ Road to Wrestlemania will not be derailed. Everyone will learn that WWE truly stands for Walk With Elias!
He wasn’t going to treat himself to a performance, he was going to focus on his match. But then he heard Strowman called Elias’ “beautiful music” nothing but “noise pollution.” Strowman criticizes because he is jealous. Who isn’t jealous of Elias? But the real pollution was Strowman singing! Every word from Corey Graves is pollution. And every noise from these people’s mouths is pollution. But Elias’ music is a gift. So please silence phones, hold applause and shut mouths!
“The Monster will be slain, Elias says it’s time. I’ll make him even more ugly than the people of Anaheim.” The fans boo and jeer but he continues. “Braun wants to be me, I know this much is true~. But he can’t hold a candle to Elias, he’s just like all of you!” BRAUN interrupts.
Braun Strowman VS Elias!
WATCH OUT, @IAmEliasWWE! There's a MONSTER heading your way…#RAW @BraunStrowman pic.twitter.com/taP3SGZSN1
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
The Monster Among Men had one “smash hit” a few weeks ago when he broke a bass cello across The Drifter’s back. He had another when he eliminated Elias, even though Elias was the last man into the Chamber. Will Strowman top the charts again for the third week in a row?
The bell rings and Elias circles with Strowman. He keeps his distance, of course, and the fans chant, “Strow~man!” Elias tries but is just powered back then thrown around by Strowman, so he bails out of the ring. Strowman lets him take his time returning, so Elias waist until the ring count is at 5 before entering. Elias keeps in a corner but fights back with kicks. He tries to whip but Strowman reverses, so Elias bails out again. Strowman chases him! Elias turns it around on Strowman, throwing forearms, but then he runs into Strowman’s shoulder!
It's time for @IAmEliasWWE to #GetTheseHands…#RAW @BraunStrowman pic.twitter.com/FB5unGqmOV
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 27, 2018
Strowman runs at Elias but Elias boots him away. Elias runs at Strowman but Strowman swats him down. Strowman picks Elias up to then throw him across the way again. The fans want “One More time!” but Strowman gives Elias a big corner splash instead. Strowman rolls Elias out of the corner, then stalks the dazed Drifter. He kicks Elias while he’s down, and Elias rests on ropes from the battered ribs.
Elias staggers up but Strowman reels him into a lariat. Strowman scowls as he linse up a shot, and gives Elias another kick to the ribs. He headbutts Elias, and Eilas drops to the mat. Strowman stands Elias up to club him down with that hammering fist. Elias gets under the bottom rope but Strowman brings him up. Elias hotshots Strowman away then goes top rope. Flying ax handles hit but Strowman only staggers. Elias runs, but back into another shoulder!
He gets out of the ring once again, but Strowman goes out and throws him right into barriers. Strowman throws Elias to the other barriers, then into the ring. Elias bails out again, but that won’t stop Strowman. Strowman stalks Elias around the corner, because “You can run but you can’t hide.” Elias hurries under the ring, but Strowman grabs his foot. He drags Elias out, but Elias has the fire extinguisher! Elias blasts Strowman, disqualifying the match, but he doesn’t care!
Well, this is one way to get out of a battle with @BraunStrowman.#RAW @IAmEliasWWE pic.twitter.com/LfX6TOPp8q
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
Elias blasts Strowman more, then bumps him off a post. He puts Strowman back in the ring, then grabs the empty extinguisher can. He rams the can into Strowman’s stomach! Strowman falls to his knees and Elias throws hands. Strowman grabs Elias by the throat, but Elias breaks free, only to get rocked with a right uppercut! Elias runs away while the blinded Strowman tries to clear his eyes. Even with that, Strowman still gives chase! He runs Elias down on the ramp.
Strowman brings Elias up and over to the announce desk. He clears it off, and even with bad vision, picks Elias up! Elias rakes the already damaged eyes, then runs for the hills. The fans boo the Drifter’s cowardice, but Strowman won’t let him get away that easily. They both go backstage, and Elias panics. He runs but Strowman pursues at a stagger.
In HOT PURSUIT of @IAmEliasWWE, @BraunStrowman promises one thing:
"I'M NOT FINISHED WITH YOU!" #RAW pic.twitter.com/jeoI8TFPnU
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 27, 2018
They end up near the tour buses. Elias is long gone, but Strowman roars “I’m not finished with you!” With no prey to hunt, Strowman leaves while a limousine pulls up. Who is inside?
Triple H and Stephanie are here!
? + ? … LIVE on #RAW!@TripleH @StephMcMahon pic.twitter.com/r5Drxqlqk8
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
The Authority is back again after the situation from last night. It was meant to be the highlight of their executive careers, but because of Kurt Angle, “things went horribly wrong.” Angle hallucinated and said things he believed were true. He has “double pneumonia” and his words stirred up Ronda Rousey to behave in a way not appropriate in this business. Ronda “acted out of savage instinct”, and that is her training. Stephanie got physical to “remind her of the hierarchy”. Stephanie is the Raw Commissioner, which means both Angle and the new Raw superstar, Ronda Rousey, belong to her. She wants to clear the air and establish the roles, starting with apologies. Stephanie wants Angle to come out, but it’s Rousey instead!
Well, this isn't @RealKurtAngle…
IT'S @RondaRousey, and she's ALL BUSINESS! #RAW pic.twitter.com/6ZCJqG6nDi
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
Luckily for Stephanie, and even HHH, Angle does appear to calm her down. Angle wants Rousey to hear him out on one thing: “You coming to the WWE is the best decision you’ve ever made.” Rousey says she meant everything she said last night, that she wants this more than anything. But she’s never been slapped before in her life, and she refuses to be disrespected. And above all, she is no one’s property.
"I REFUSE TO BE DISRESPECTED, AND I AM NO ONE'S PROPERTY!" – @RondaRousey#RAW #RondaRousey pic.twitter.com/fJua6neZNQ
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 27, 2018
Angle understands that, but the WWE is a different world. She must work within their system. Angle also needs this job, he really does. He must do what he must do, so given everything she did last night, Angle must admit he lied. He doesn’t know why, he has been sick and must have misheard them. Whatever he said, not that he remembers them, were all false. Angle is sorry.
Stephanie thanks him for that. The Authority isn’t horrible, despite what you read or hear. They understand why Rousey did what she did, and now knows it was all made up. Now, let’s make her the superstar she deserves to be. Stephanie and HHH leave, but Rousey says there’s one thing left: the slap. If Stephanie wants to put this behind her, Stephanie should apologize to Rousey. And if Stephanie doesn’t, Rousey will rip her arm out. The fans want her to “Rip it out!”
Stephanie steps up to Rousey, and is “terribly sorry”. She is, she reacted to what happened to her husband, it was all the wrong thing to do. Please forgive her, and welcome to the WWE. Good? But then HHH sucker punches Angle! The Authority leaves, but there are still many questions between the various authority figures. What does Stephanie have planned for Rousey now that things are “fine” between them?
Apology offered up by @StephMcMahon…followed by a CHEAP SHOT from @TripleH to @RealKurtAngle?! WHY?!#RAW #RondaRousey pic.twitter.com/AfuRVLNyx3
— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2018
My Thoughts:
Not a bad Raw to follow up that solid Elimination Chamber PPV. Though, we do need to question why Mickie has suddenly turned Tweener to stay on the same side as Alexa. And we need to question why Bayley ran out with Sasha to help Asuka with the beat down. But that aside, I still enjoyed the Six Woman Tag that occurred, and I really enjoyed Bayley’s tag swerve to get Sasha back for both the Rumble and the Chamber. And we need to wonder why Raw just assumes Asuka will want the Raw Women’s Championship when she hasn’t vocalized her decision. Hopefully that becomes a big moment when Asuka finally chooses, but chances are it might just keep the course of Asuka wants Raw because of everything Alexa is doing and saying.
Cena is always great on the mic but he really got us here tonight. He called out Taker, but then tells us he can’t have Taker, so he’ll settle for anything on SmackDown. It almost gives me the vibe that he’s gone at least Tweener out of his desperation. But since he and Taker were staples of SmackDown for a time, it might be more fitting if The Phenom were to respond there and not on Raw.
Speaking of “might”, Miz is becoming the kind of promo guy that could read the phone book and make it entertaining, provided he gave his commentary. He burned up the mic, then did really good even in two losses to Rollins and Finn. Clearly that is all setting up to at least a triple threat for the Intercontinental Championship, which could give rise to Rollins joining Roman and Ambrose as Grand Slam Champions. And speaking of Roman, he actually did great with that passionate venting of frustration over Lesnar. It speaks to a contingent of the fans that don’t like it either, and gives us the straight-shooting Roman fans have probably wanted for a long time. The real face-to-face can still happen with the remaining weeks, but if we’re being fair to “The Guy”, this was a pretty good start.
WOKEN VS Wyatt 3 at ‘Mania better have a truly BROKEN Build and match because the fans are barely holding on as it is. The Raw Tag Team Championship was a nice surprise, but I’m a bit disappointed Titus Worldwide didn’t even get one of the three covers. The Raw Tag Team Division is cluttered, but I appreciate The Bar being meta about it. I said it with the Chamber and I’ll say it here, this seems to be building towards another ladder match. And unless Strowman and Elias are going to detour into the IC title, it seems a shame it’ll just be the two of them against each other (or in the Andre the Giant Battle Royal). Then, if it wasn’t more clear WWE plans for Angle-Rousey VS HHH-Steph, then you weren’t watching. HHH’s sucker punch made it clear they won’t put this behind them without a match.
My Score: 8.5/10
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The storied rival has its final chapter!
For the last time, John Cena and Randy Orton battle over the WWE Championship! This time, it is on Backlash, in Orton’s hometown of St. Louis!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE United States Championship Fatal 4 Way: Jacob Fatu VS Drew McIntyre VS LA Knight VS Damian Priest; Fatu wins and retains the title.
- WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria VS Becky Lynch; Lyra wins and retains the title.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio VS PENTA; Dominik wins and retains the title.
- GUNTHER VS Pat McAfee; Gunther wins.
- Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena VS Randy Orton; Cena wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the WWE Backlash Countdown Show!
Join Michael Cole, Wade Barrett & Big E in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action on this highly anticipated night!
Backstage interview with Lyra Valkyria.
Byron Saxton is with The Morrigan and asks how she is feeling tonight. She looked up to Becky Lynch for so long, only for her to stab her in the back. And at the same time, Lyra has dedicated this match to Bayley. How is Lyra going to manage all her emotions? Lyra says there is so much going on in her head, but the way to deal with it is focusing on the main emotion: embarrassment. She gave herself “the ick” looking back and seeing how she ate everything Becky fed her. Becky would’ve had a friend for life in Lyra, but then Becky turned on her. And what did The Man expect? For Lyra to run home to Dublin and cry?
No! That shows Lyra that Becky underestimated her. Lyra meant it when she said she is the better wrestler now. Becky may still be the bigger star, but when that bell rings, Lyra will show that she was never a stepping stone. Becky becomes Lyra’s stepping stone, as well as the crowning name on the long list of opponents when Lyra retains the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Lyra is locked in, but will the Luck of the Irish favor her in the end?
Vic Joseph joins the panel!
The Voice of NXT helps plug Battleground, but he also gives Lyra her props. From NXT UK to NXT USA, Vic has seen Lyra achieve her potential every step of the way. The NXT Women’s Championship match between Lyra and Becky was all about someone from the NXT roster stepping up and proving herself, and Lyra did just that. Lyra took the NXT Women’s title off Becky, but will Lyra keep the Women’s Intercontinental title from Becky? Or is #BeckyHogan going to step on Lyra to get ahead?
Jackie Redmond & Peter Rosenberg tag in for the panel.
Cole & Barrett have to go prepare for calling Backlash, so Jackie and Peter join Big E in looking back on memory lane. John Cena VS Randy Orton as a rivalry predates the iPod, Wikipedia, and even the original Xbox! 25 years later, will this truly be the end of an era for WWE?
Pershard Owens sings the Star Spangled Banner.
Talkin’ ’bout a detonator…
The fuse is let, and tonight is about to be explosive. Egos, attitudes, grudges, ambitions, motivations, and glory, it’s overflowing! WrestleMania was historic, but now everyone will face the Backlash!
WWE United States Championship Fatal 4 Way: Jacob Fatu VS Drew McIntyre VS LA Knight VS Damian Priest!
The Samoan Werewolf only just took this title “for the family” at WrestleMania, and yet now the stakes are raised! The Scottish Warrior wants to fight a real fighter, the Mega Star wants to redeem himself from his loss, and the Archer of Infamy wants to kill two birds with one stone by avenging his own loss while putting gold back around his waist. Will one of these challengers get what they want? Or will Fatu dog walk all of ’em, YADADA MEAN!?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really all gas and no brakes with it!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as all four men look at each other. Knight talks some smack but St. Louis is loud for “FATU! FATU!” Knight runs up to throw hands on Fatu, Priest and Drew go after each other! Fatu fires back and they trade shots. Priest and Drew are on the outside while Knight throws hands “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Priest CLUBS Drew, Fatu TOSSES Knight, and then Fatu runs corner to corner. Knight dodges, Fatu hits buckles, and Knight hits a JUMP NECKBREAKER! Priest is back in the ring, but Knight gives him a BIG back suplex! Knight WRECKS Drew with a dropkick, then RAMS into Fatu!
Knight slingshots to SHOUDLER TACKLE Fatu! Knight sunset flip BACKBREAKERS, then he dodges Drew to pop-up and POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as The Mega Star is unlocking that kavorka! Spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW- NO, Priest catches Knight, but Knight kicks free! DDT! Knight runs and DOUBLE ELBOW DROPS! Fatu shoves Knight, scoops, but Knight slips free, REVERSE DDT! Cover on Fatu, ONE!! Fatu is tougher than that, but Knight drags Fatu up. Fatu RAMS Knight into a corner, fires hands, then he ROCKS Priest! Knight ROCKS Fatu, Priest ROCKS Fatu, and Knight runs, they HIGH-LOW COMBO!
The fans fire up for that teamwork, and then Priest & Knight POST Fatu! Fatu flops out of the ring, but Priest avoids Knight’s cheap shot! BELL CLAP! Drew RAMS Knight into Priest, then OVERHEAD SUPELXES Knight! Priest runs up, but into a SPIENBUSTER! Drew has Knight again, NECKBREAKER! Then a NECKBREAKER for Priest! Fatu is back, but Drew gives him a NECKBREAKER! Drew kips up, the fans fire up, and Drew aims at Fatu. Drew runs up, but Knight LARIATS! Fatu SUPERKICKS Knight! Fatu kicks Knight out, ELBOWS Priest away, then goes up. Priest JUMP KICKS! Priest climbs up to the very top, SUPER STEINER!
Fatu flounders, Priest rises, and Priest clinches Knight for a FLATLINER! Priest goes out to run around the ring, and he FLYING AX HANDLES Fatu! Priest puts Fatu back in, then dodges a shot to ROUNDHOUSE Fatu! Priest knuckle locks Fatu, St. Louis wants tables, but Priest goes Old School to CROSSBODY Drew! Fatu runs up, Priest dodges, COMEBACKER LARIAT! Fatu flounders out, Priest runs to ELBOW Drew! And ELBOW Knight! Priest runs, and he LARIATS Drew up and out! Knight swings, misses, and Priest DREAMCAST KICKS! The fans fire up and Priest goes back out. Priest runs in but Fatu POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS Priest onto the barriers!
The fans fire up with Fatu, and then Fatu stares down with Drew. The fans fire up even more as these alpha males step into the ring. This is the match-up Drew wanted all along, and the two men step up. The hands start flying and the fans fire up! The fans are strongly on Fatu’s side, but the hands keep going faster and faster! Fatu gets the edge, but Drew HEADBUTTS! Drew runs, but Fatu BODY CHECKS him! Drew is right up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but runs into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! The fans are thunderous, and Fatu runs in, HIP ATTACK on Drew! The fans fire up again, and Fatu drags Drew to the drop zone.
Fatu climbs the corner as St. Louis declares, “This is Awesome!” Fatu nods, reaches the top, but Drew is up to CLAW Fatu’s face! The ref reprimands but that’s all he can do! Drew goes up to the top, but Knight trips Drew up! Knight puts Drew in the Tree of Woe to stomp away, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight then runs corner to corner and back again, KNEE for Drew! Knight then climbs up, has Fatu on the very top, but Fatu HEADBUTTS Knight down! Fatu adjusts, but Drew sits up! SPIDER SUPLEX throws Fatu onto Knight! But Fatu’s right up to HIP ATTACK Drew!! And then he DIVES onto Priest!! Fatu is all fired up and the fans are thunderous!
Fatu goes up again, SEWANTON BOMB on Drew! Fatu geeks out, but gets B F T!! Priest has Knight, SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Drew hits a CLAYMORE on Priest!!! Priest falls on Knight for a cover! DREW BREAKS IT!! The fans are electric as all four men are down! “This is Awesome!” and that might be an understatement now! Priest flops out of the ring, Fatu and Drew go to corners, and Knight finds his way to another. The fans rally, Fatu geeks out, and Fatu runs, into a FLYING HEADBUTT! And then a kick and FUTURE SHOCK!! Then Drew has Knight, but Knight wrenches out! B F- NO, Drew powers out, reels Knight in, FUTURE SHOCK!!
Drew kips up, the fans fire up, and Drew calls his shot! Drew gives the countdown, “THREE! TWO! ONE!!” CLAYMORE for Knight!! Cover, PRIEST yanks the ref!! Priest really does screw Drew this time! Drew is furious but Priest drags him out now! Priest and Drew throw hands and the fans fire up! Drew THROWS Priest and himself over the barriers! Fatu is up, he brings Knight around for HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! Fatu has Knight down, goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT FLOPS!! Knight rises up, goes to the corner, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP FLYING AX HANDLE! And then the BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP!! Cover, TWO!?!
Fatu survives and Knight is beside himself! Priest and Drew are brawling in the crowd! Priest SMACKS Drew off a road case! Priest makes Drew look into the camera, “He’s bored at work!” Priest ROCKS Drew, but Drew ROCKS Priest! They go up to some upper deck, and Priest ROCKS Drew again! They stand on road cases, but Drew HEADBUTTS! Drew reels Priest in, takes aim, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s face! Priest decides to do what Drew was planning, and with the straps down, SOUTH OF HEAVEN DOWN THROUGH THE TABLES!!! The fans go nuts with Priest and Drew down in the wreckage!!
Producers and medical hurry to check Drew and Priest, but that just means Knight and Fatu are the only two left! Knight RAMS Fatu into the apron, then POSTS him! Knight hobbles but he brings Fatu back up to SMACK him off the desk! Fatu is on the desk, and Knight uses a piece that fell off to SMACK Fatu! Knight keeps Fatu on the desk, and he looks for a perch. The fans fire up as Knight climbs the corner! “L! A! KNGIHT!” NO, Solo Sikoa gets Fatu clear! Knight is furious but Solo tells him it’s not going down like that. Knight storms up on Solo, but a LARIAT hits outta nowhere!! IS THAT JEFF COBB?!?
The fans go nuts as now the Imperial Unit is Solo’s new enforcer! Cobb THROWS Knight around, POSTS him, and then runs to SPLASH Knight against the post!! Cobb drags Knight up, puts him in the ring, and Fatu sees what’s going on. Fatu is not happy with Solo bringing in reinforcements when he didn’t want it, but Solo still serves Knight up on a silver platter. Fatu doesn’t look the gift horse in the mouth, and he gives Knight a HIP ATTACK!! Fatu puts Knight in the drop zone, goes up and up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Fatu wins!
Winner: Jacob Fatu, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
The Samoan Werewolf may not like Solo bringing in a ringer, but he still keeps his gold. Will nothing stop “the family” now that they’ve reloaded the arsenal?
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria VS Becky Lynch!
When they say, “Never meet your heroes,” perhaps those people were talking about this scenario right here. The Morrigan & The Man were bonded by their Irish blood, and by how the younger followed in the footsteps of the elder. They’ve battled over the NXT Women’s Championship and even won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania. But the moment they lost those titles, Becky showed her true colors and betrayed Lyra! Becky called Lyra “recycling,” or rather, “less offensive trash,” but will Becky be the one thrown out this time? Or will Becky take away a title just as Lyra did to her back in the day?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who the real Lass Kicker is around here!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Lyra and Becky circle, tie up, and they go around. Becky puts Lyra in the corner, the ref counts, and Becky lets off to talk trash. Becky shoves, Lyra shoves, and the two reset. They tie up, Lyra waistlocks, Becky switches, and Becky SLAMS Lyra down. Becky smothers Lyra into the mat, then waistlocks again. Lyra fights up, ELBOWS free, then runs. Becky dodges and RUNS Lyra over! Becky flexes, talks trash, then soaks up the heat. Things speed up, Lyra drops down then hurdles, but Becky hits an arm-drag, only for Lyra to ghost pin! TWO, and Becky arm-drags again!
The fans boo but Becky soaks it up. The two reset, tie up, and Lyra waistlocks. Becky elbows Lyra, whips her to ropes, but Lyra slides under! Lyra blocks a kick, trips Becky, and then turns Becky over with the REVERSE CRAB, to then go for the arms! MEXICAN SURFBOARD! Becky endures as Lyra swings her around! Lyra drops Becky, stands on the legs, and then hooks the legs up! Becky resists but Lyra still gets the arms to pull her back, into the ROMERO SPECIAL! Becky endures, Lyra rolls and pulls Becky back into the ROMERO SPECIAL! Becky still endures, but Lyra rolls her and pulls her back again! A third ROMERO SPECIAL! Then a cover, TWO!
Becky escapes, but Lyra waistlocks. Becky switches, Lyra spins through and NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Becky scrambles and Lyra says she told her she’s the better wrestler! Lyra then dodges to ENZIGIRI! Becky bails out, the fans “WHEW~” with Lyra, and she WRECKS Becky with a dropkick! The fans fire up and Lyra puts Becky in the ring. Lyra climbs, but Becky trips her up! Becky THROWS Lyra down, then snarls as she rains down fists! The fans boo but Becky seethes as she paces around. Becky signals that she will be champion! She CLOBBERS Lyra, smothers her into the mat again, then HAMMERS away on Lyra! Cover, ONE!!
Lyra is tougher than that, but so is Becky given she has a bloody cut on her elbow. Lyra ELBOWS Becky but Becky CLUBS Lyra! Becky stands Lyra up to SLAP her! And CHOP her! And CHOP again! Lyra falls into a corner but Becky soaks up the heat. Becky stands Lyra up, runs corner to corner, but Lyra dodges! Becky hits buckles, but then she dodges to JUMP KICK! And BECKSPLODER! Lyra writhes, Becky covers, ONE!! Becky argues the count with the ref, then goes back to Lyra. Becky talks trash on Lyra, CHOKES her on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Lyra goes to the corner but Becky brings her around to TOSS her out!
Lyra is on the floor, Becky builds speed, and Becky WRECKS Lyra with a dropkick! Becky THROWS Lyra into barriers, then SMACKS her off more barriers! “Is this your girl?” Becky tells Lyra’s fiancé to thank her! Lyra fires forearms off on Becky! Becky POSTS Lyra in return! Becky puts Lyra in the ring, covers, TWO! The fans rally for Lyra but Becky talks more trash. Becky SLAPS Lyra, pie faces her, but Lyra just stares defiantly! Then Lyra SLAPS Becky back! The SLAPS fly, Becky clinches, but Lyra cradle counters! Roll through, into a RUNNING FISHERMAN BUSTER!! Both women are down and the fans fire up!
Lyra feeds off that energy and she rises up! Lyra runs and LARIATS! And LARIATS! And SOBATS! KICKS! HEADBUTTS, KICKS again, then runs, cartwheel and ENZIGIRI! Becky staggers around, Lyra GUT WRENCH BOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Lyra is beside herself! Becky goes to the apron but Lyra drags her up. The fans rally m ore, but Becky ROCKS and ROUNDHOUSES Lyra! Becky climbs, but Lyra ROCKS her first! Lyra reaches the top, and fans actually duel as Lyra stalling SUPERPLEXES!! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives, reminding us why she’s a Grand Slam Champion!
The fans rally up and Lyra has Becky for a fireman’s carry! Becky fights free, waistlocks, but Lyra switches! O’Conner Roll, TWO! Becky has the O’Conner, but wants the rope! The ref stops that! The fans boo and Becky “apologizes,” but then she runs up on Lyra! Lyra scoops, Becky slips free, EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Cover, TWO!! Lyra survives and Becky is growing frustrated. The fans rally for Lyra more and Becky dares Lyra to get up. Lyra rises, Becky clinches, but Lyra slips free to shove Becky into buckles! Lyra runs up, Becky dodges, but Lyra stops the jump kick! Lyra DUMPS Becky out, takes aim, and PLANCHAS! Down goes Becky!
The fans fire up as Lyra hurries to put Becky back in. Lyra climbs the corner, takes aim, TURN OF FORTUNE!! Cover, TWO!!! Lyra is frustrated, but she hurries back up! MOONSAULT onto knees! Becky turns that around on Lyra while the fans fire up! Becky crawls her way over to Lyra, both women stand, and the forearms fly! Becky ROCKS Lyra but Lyra ROCKS Becky right back! The shots pick up speed, Lyra gets the edge, but Becky KNEES low! UPPERCUT into a hook! Becky fights the backslide, SLAMS Lyra down, ARMBAR!! Lyra clasps hands, rolls through, and she has the ARMBAR!!
Becky fights, rolls, high stacks, TWO! Becky steps over, DISARM-HER!! Lyra rolls Becky to a cover, TWO!! Becky clinches, MANHAND- ARM-DRAG! Cover, TWO!! MANHANDLE SLAM!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Lyra survives and Becky cannot believe it! St. Louis is thunderous, “This is Awesome!” Becky is freaking out trying to figure out what to do. Becky just HAMMERS away on Lyra! The fans boo but Becky goes to the outside. Becky grabs a chair! The fans boo but The Man is getting desperate! Becky brings the chair in, the ref stops her, and they tug-o-war over the chair! Becky give sit up to the ref, but that lets her untie a buckle pad!
Becky drags Lyra up, brings her around and whips, but Lyra reverses! Becky stops from hitting steel but Lyra GERMAN SUPLEXES! And HEEL KICKS! MOONSAULT!! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Lyra is beside herself! The fans rally while Lyra now thinks on what she must do. Lyra drags Becky up, fireman’s carries, but Becky fights free! Becky shoves Lyra into a buckle! MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, TWO?!?! Lyra survives one thing after another and Becky is going berserk! Becky HAMMERS away on Lyra again, and even DRIBBLES Lyra head off the mat! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Becky stands Lyra up.
Becky aims but the ref sees the bare buckle! The ref stops that, goes to fix things, but Lyra fireman’s carries! NIGHTWING DRIVER!!! The ref is too busy with the buckle! Cover, TWO!?!?!? Becky survives thanks to her shenanigans and Lyra is completely frazzled! Lyra drags Becky up, fireman’s carries, but Becky still fights! Clinch and MAN- NO, wheelbarrow for the victory roll! TWO, and Becky SLAPS Lyra! Roll-up, high stack, TWO! Lyra has a victory roll, LYRA WINS!!!
Winner: Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion)
Becky attacks Lyra! The Man is a sore loser! DISARM-HER!! The ref reprimands, pries at Becky’s grip, but Becky refuses to let go! More refs rush in, Becky still doesn’t stop, so producers are needed! Adam Pearce shouts right at Becky, and only now does Becky let go!! Lyra is down, potentially her arm and even her nose broken by the woman she once looked up to! Becky scowls, wants to go back for more, but the producers stand in her way. Did Becky still coset Lyra her title with all the damage she did? Or can The Morrigan rise up and keep her #ShinyShiny?
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio VS PENTA!
Though it took a Fatal 4 Way to win it, and an Irish Ace in the hole to keep it, “Dirty Dom” thinks he is already the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time, as well as the greatest Mysterio and the greatest luchador ever. But now, the Man with Zero Fear gets another shot, and hopefully it’ll be a fair one. Will Penta prove he is the greatest? Or will Dom have another dirty trick up his sleeve?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly El Campeon!
The bell rings and Dom circles with Penta. Dom talks trash but the fans rally behind Penta. Dom shoves Penta, so Penta DROPKCISK Dom! Penta runs up, Dom dodges and fires hands! Dom whips, Penta ducks ‘n’ dodges and RANAS! Dom tumbles, the fans fire up, and Penta runs in. Dom dodge the kick, comes back, ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! The fans cheer because that was impressive, and Dom runs up again. Penta pops him up to SUPERKICK him upside-down! Then BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Dom stays in this and Penta nods respect. The fans rally for Penta while Dom goes to a corner.
Penta runs in, Dom pops him up to crotch him on the ropes! Dom then DROPKICKS Penta down to the floor! The fans cheer, Dom builds speed, and Dom DIVES to TORNADO DDT! Dom flexes and fans cheer because that was impressive, too! Dom refreshes the ring count then mocks Penta’s swagger. Dom stomps Penta, fans actually sing for “Dirty, Dirty Dom~!” Dom stands Penta up to CHOP, but Penta CHOPS in return! The CHOPS go back and forth, then Dom dodges to SHOVE Penta into steel steps! Dom rolls into the ring and flexes. The fans cheer, Dom goes out to drag Penta up, and Dom puts Penta in.
Dom hears the fans dueling, tunes out the taunts, and he slingshots to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Penta stays in this and Dom argues the count. The ref defends it, so Dom just stomps away on Penta! Dom uses the Finn style jump stomps, then he rains down fists! Dom lets off to soak up cheers and jeers, then covers, ROPEBREAK! Dom is annoyed and he CLUBS Penta into the chinlock. Penta endures, claws at the hold, and fights up. Penta fires body shots, but Dom fires knees! Dom whips, Penta KICKS him, then Penta dodges to come back, SLING-DOG! The fans fire up and Dom bails out. Penta goes up, up, and from the post, SUPER CROSSBODIES!
The fans fire up as Dom and Penta crash down! The ring count starts, both men stir at 3 of 10, and Penta rises up. Penta pushes Dom into the ring, huffs ‘n’ puffs, and he climbs up the corner. Penta leaps, but into Dom’s kick! Dom snap suplexes, that’s Uno Amigo! Then another suplex, but Penta slips free! Penta shoves Dom, but Dom drop toeholds him onto ropes! Dom dials it up, but Penta ducks the 619! Penta GAMANGIRIS, then slingshots to CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Dom survives and both men are down! The fans rally up and Dom DROPKICKS Penta! Dom runs up, OBLIVION!! Cover, TWO!!
Penta survives Liv’s move and Dom is furious! Dom runs up, Penta puts him on the corner, and Penta GAMANGIRIS! Penta climbs, but Dom shoves him down! Penta CHOPS from the apron, then runs up, but Dom BOOTS him! Dom hops down, reels Penta in, but Penta fights the suplex! Penta ENZIGIRIS, then runs up, APRON DESTROYER!!! Both men are down and the fans go nuts! But wait, here comes Carlito! Judgment Day let Dom come out here alone, but Caribbean Cool isn’t gonna let this go down! But this is all so Finn & JD can get Penta up! Finn gets an idea and grabs a chair!
But the ref sees Finn! Finn’s improvising just cost him his chance! The ref EJECTS Judgment Day!! The fans fire up as now things are 1v1 again! Carlito can’t believe Finn messed this up! Penta FLIES onto Judgment Day! The fans fire up but wait, Finn avoided disaster! Where’d he go? Penta hobbles, rolls into the ring, and SUPERKICKS Dom down! Penta vows to finish this, but Finn returns! Finn distracts the ref now, and EL GRANDE AMERICANO is here! Grande HEADBUTTS Penta with that loaded mask!!! Dom goes up, FROG SPLASH!!! Cover, DOM WINS!
Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)
The Prince almost screwed things up, but then he managed to turn things around with help from the supposed other greatest luchador in history! Will Judgment Day owe Chad Gable- Er, uh, El Grande Americano big time for this?
GUNTHER VS Pat McAfee!
Once again, Der Ring General lost a championship, at WrestleMania, against someone he surely felt was beneath him. And while his ego was still hurting, he lashed out against Michael Cole in an attempt to intimidate and silence commentary. Pat stepped up for his friend, got beat up for it, but he isn’t going to back down just because Gunther is a bully. In fact, Pat has always believed in standing up to bullies, which is why he’s getting back in the ring! Will Pat win one for all the underdogs out there? Or will Gunther unleash all of his anger and silence Pat for good?
The bell rings and Pat throws his shirt to the crowd! The fans fire up as Pat and Gunther circle. They feel things out, Gunther smirks but Pat is stone cold serious. The fans taunt Gunther with, “You Tapped Out!” but Gunther ignores that. He and Pat tie up, and Gunther shoves Pat to a corner. Pat sees what he’s dealing with now, but he still comes back to circle with Gunther again. They tie up, Gunther headlocks and THROWS Pat! The ref checks Pat but Pat stands back up. Pat and Gunther circle again, tie up, and Gunther grabs an arm! Gunther wrenches Pat, wrangles him down and steps over. Gunther pie faces Pat around and the fans boo.
Gunther wrenches, wristlocks, but Pat rolls, rolls, handsprings, and wrenches! But Gunther breaks free! Pat avoids the chop and the fans fire up! Pat and Gunther circle again, and Gunther is oddly amused. Pat and Gunther tie up, and Pat headlocks! Gunther powers Pat to ropes, Pat shifts to a facelock, but Gunther puts Pat on the apron! Pat holds on, the ref counts, and Pat lets go slowly. Gunther pats Pat on the head, and Pat says okay. Pat ROCKS Gunther! Pat slingshots, runs, and fires forearms! Pat runs, into a CHOP! Pat is right down and coughing for air! Gunther drags Pat up, just to CLUB him back down!
Gunther stomps and kicks Pat around, pushes Pat, but Pat comes back to JAB! JAB! HAYMAKER! Pat fires hands, and even CHOPS! Gunther eggs Pat on! Pat CHOPS, the fans fire up, but Gunther wants more! Pat CHOPS, but Gunther CHOPS Pat down again! The fans boo as Gunther glares at Michael Cole. Gunther stalks Pat to a corner, talks trash, “You wanna play with the big boys, huh?” Gunther CHOPS Pat in a corner, CHOPS again, then stomps a mudhole! Gunther stops and Pat puts up his dukes! The fans rally, but Gunther CHOPS Pat down! The fans boo and Cole tells Gunther fine, just pin and finish it!
Gunther decides not to do that, he wrenches and whips Pat instead. Gunther CLOBBERS Pat, but Pat avoids the elbow drop! Pat KICKS Gunther! That NFL punt wasn’t quite enough, and Gunther snapmares Pat! Gunther KICKS Pat now! Pat writhes, but he still rises up! The fans rally behind Pat and he stands again. Pat roars, Gunther eggs him on, and Pat spins to CHOP! Gunther CHOPS, but Pat stays up to CHOP! Gunther BOOTS Pat down now! Gunther glares at Cole, dares Cole to help Pat, but Wade Barrett tells Cole to just sit down. The fans still taunt Gunther with, “You Tapped Out!” as Gunther goes back to Pat.
Gunther talks trash on the fans, then he brings Pat up. Gunther dares Cole to keep cheering his guy on. Cole says stop toying with Pat then! Pat SLAPS Gunther! Gunther CHOPS Pat, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Pat sputters, Cole says just end it then! Gunther looms over Pat, eggs him on, and Pat still rises up! Gunther clamps onto Pat’s head, and then has the SLEEPER!! Pat is already red from everything else, but wait! Pat pries at the grip! Gunther is amused as Pat manages the ROPEBREAK, but then Gunther GERMAN SUPLEXES! Pat flounders and Gunther paces. Gunther laughs as the fans boo, because Gunther knows only he can end this.
Gunther soaks up the boos and he stalks Pat to ropes. Pat sits up, Gunther clamps onto him again, and Gunther uses a facelock to put Pat in a corner. Gunther CLUBS Pat, reels him in, and hoists Pat up top! Gunther CLUBS Pat, then climbs up. The fans rally for Pat, and he holds on for dear life! Pat fires elbows and he knocks Gunther down! Pat adjusts, and manages to MOONSAULT! Gunther moves, Pat lands out, GERMAN SUPLEX! Pat lands out?! PUNT!! PUNT!! And then a PUNT!!! Cover, ONE?!?! Gunther takes all those shots and is just pissed!! Gunther eggs Pat on, so Pat SLAPS him! Gunther eggs Pat on more, so Pat SLAPS again!
Pat SLAPS, Gunther CHOPS, but Pat just feeds off that now! The CHOPS keep going, and then Pat ELBOWS Gunther! The forearms go back and forth, Pat fires fast hands, Gunther guards! Pat runs, and he BOOTS Gunther! Pat keeps moving, to SUPERKICK! Shoutout to the Panama City Playboy, but Gunther reels Pat in for a POWERBOMB!! Cole says fine, just end this match already! Gunther clamps on the BOSTON CRAB!! But Pat endures! Cole goes to the apron to tell Pat to keep fighting! But Gunther drags Pat back to rain down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! The fans cheer on Cole, but Gunther grabs him through the ropes!!
The fans boo as Gunther drags Cole into the ring! The ref reprimands and Cole says Gunther should just pin Pat already! Gunther pushes Cole around, has him by his tie, then reels Cole in! But Pat BOOTS Gunther! Gunther BOOTS Pat!! Gunther glares at Cole as Cole is on the outside again. Pat O’Conner Rolls! TWO!! Pat bails out, Cole coaches him, but Gunther is on Pat again! Gunther suplexes, but Cole trips Gunther!! Cole holds Gunther’s foot down as Pat covers, TWO!!! Gunther is pissed, but Pat puts on the SLEEPER!!! Gunther flails, powers out, and short arm LARIATS!! Gunther drags Pat back up, and he stares Cole down before putting on the SLEEPER!!!
Pat is down in the body scissors and he’s turning purple! The fans rally as Pat still fights, but Gunther traps his arms, too!! Pat is still fighting even now!! Pat rises up, throws elbows, and the fans are thunderous! Pat fires shot after shot but Gunther wrangles him back down!! Pat is caught again, and NOW he’s out! Gunther wins!!
Winner: Gunther, by submission
Gunther pushes Pat away and Cole is distraught. Cole goes to Pat’s side, feeling just a bit responsible for letting it go this far. Der Ring General grins as he still returns to his winning ways. Pat manages to sit up again now that he can breathe, and Cole helps him stand. Gunther and Pat stare each other down, and Gunther shows Pat a nod of respect! Gunther leaves, but will he be just as ruthless as he heads back for the mountaintop?
Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena VS Randy Orton!
Both men have been here in the WWE for 25 years, never wrestling anywhere else, and never wanting to go anywhere else. And while he’s “gone Hollywood,” Cena still became the #NeverSeenSeventeen. The Viper is still only at 14, but he hopes to change that tonight as he now has the homefield advantage. Will the Legend Killer add one more name to that hit list? Or will Cena still be the Last Real Champion?
The fans obviously sing along with Voices as their hometown hero makes his entrance. Orton already seems to be getting chills hearing his hometown sing that for him. Then things turn to “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” even before the music plays. Then things turn to “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” with the music, even as Cena wears his St. Louis Blues inspired merchandise. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly the greatest of their generation!
The bell rings and the fans fire up as Cena and Orton circle. They feel things out, tie up, and are in a deadlock. The two break, the fans applaud, and the two reset. Orton and Cena circle again, tie up again, and are in another deadlock. They break again and the fans again applaud. St. Louis rallies behind “RANDY! RANDY!” which annoys Cena, but then he offers a handshake. The fans boo and Orton smirks. Orton steps up, Cena still offers, and Orton accepts. But then Cena pokes Orton in the eyes! Cena fires hands, headlocks, but Orton powers up and out. Orton runs Cena over, then he pokes Cena in the eyes!
The fans cheer, Cena bails out, and Orton goes to the corner so he can look down at Cena. The fans cheer more and Cena slides in. The two tie up, go around, and Orton puts Cena in a corner. The ref counts, Orton lets off at 4, but he counters Cena’s punch! Orton ROCKS Cena, headlocks, and the fans duel, “You Can’t Wrestle!” “YES, HE CAN!” Cena powers up and out, ducks down, and hurdles over! Orton still runs Cena over again! The fans fire up as Orton headlocks, hits a takeover, but Cena keeps his shoulders up. Cena endures, fights up, and powers out. Orton runs Cena over yet again! Cena bails out and the fans boo.
Cena wants to walk!? The fans boo more but Cena doesn’t care. But Orton rushes out to CLUB Cena from behind! Orton ROCKS Cena, ROCKS him again, and they return to ringside. Orton ROCKS Cena, Cena rolls into the ring, and Cena comes back to LARIAT! Cena rains down fists, the fans boo, but Cena stops to catch his breath. Cena brings Orton up to bump him off buckles. Cena climbs up and fans boo more as Cena rains down fists! The fans still count along, and Cena goes to 7 before he hops down. But Orton kicks low! Orton bumps Cena off buckles, then climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count and Orton goes past TEN, to hit TWENTY!!
The fans fire up and Orton backs off. Cena staggers around, Orton reels him in, and UPPERCUTS Cena down! Cover, TWO! Orton drags Cena to center to stomp a leg! The fans cheer and Orton stomps Cena’s other leg! Cena clutches his ankle, but Orton stomps Cena’s hand! The fans cheer as Orton picks Cena apart, with a stomp to the other hand! Orton pushes Cena down and runs up, to KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO! Cena stays in this but Orton stays focused. Cena goes to ropes, rises up, but Orton is on him with a kick down low! The fans cheer Orton and he whips, but Cena reverses. Cena clamps on a SLEEPER! And becomes a backpack!
Orton stays on his feet and Cena slips down. Orton powers up and out, and he catches Cena for a SLEEPER! Cena endures, but he drops to a knee. Cena fights up, powers out, and he grabs the SLEEPER again! The fans boo but Orton powers up and out. Orton has the SLEEPER! Cena powers out, to have the SLEEPER! Orton slips around to hit a BIG back suplex! The fans rally while both men are down. Orton and Cena stir, Cena goes to the ropes, and Orton is up. Cena ducks ‘n’ dodges to start up those SHOULDER TACKLES! And then the SPIN OUT BOMB! The fans boo but Cena smooths his hair. Cena smirks, raises his hand, and says the fans can’t see him!
Cena runs, and FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLES! Orton staggers, Cena fireman’s carries, but Orton slips free! Orton shoves Cena and LARIATS! And LARIATS again! Orton dodges then SNAP POWERSLAMS! The fans fire up while Cena flounders to the apron! Orton storms over there, drags Cena through the ropes, but Cena slips through to roll Orton up! TWO, and Cena has a leg! Orton fights off the crossface, but Cena powers through! STFU!! Orton endures, reaches out, but Cena drags him from the ropes! Orton BOOTS Cena away and Cena goes back to the apron! Orton runs up, has Cena in the ropes, DRAPING DDT!
The fans fire up while Cena sputters, and Orton starts to hear those voices! Orton watches Cena rise up, R K- NO, Cena powers out, fireman’s carries, and ATTITUDE- RKO?!?! Orton turns that around at the last second and the fans are losing their minds! “This is Awesome!” while both men are down again! Both men slowly rise up, Cena has Orton, but Orton ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Orton! Orton kicks Cena low, but then Cena fires a body shot! Orton HEADBUTTS Cena, but Cena HEADBUTTS back! Orton ROCKS Cena again, but Cena ROCKS Orton again! Orton UPPERCUTS! Cena HAYMAKERS! Cena fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cover, TWO!?!
The fans fire up as Orton survives while Cena grows frustrated. Cena waits on Orton to rise up, the fans duel again, and Cena fireman’s carries! Orton grabs ropes, Cena pries him free, but Orton slips off the carry! Cena ducks ‘n’ dodges to start more shoulder tackles, but into an RKO!!! The fans fire up but Cena flounders away to a corner! Orton clutches his shoulder, the RKO continues to be a double-edged move when you get right down to it. But wait! Orton wants to go yard! But Cena avoids the Orton Punt! Fireman’s carry and ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cover, TWO!!!! Orton survives again and Cena is beside himself!
The fans rally as hard as they can for Orton but Cena stalks Orton to a corner. Cena talks trash, and he mocks hearing those voices! Cena smirks as the fans boo, and then Cena decides to further copy Orton! Cena aims from a corner, runs up, but Orton dodges Cena’s kick! RK- NO, Cena shoves Orton into the ref!! The ref goes down, Cena has Orton again, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! But no ref means no pins! Cena smirks again, and he tells the fans, “Shh.” Cena goes outside, grabs the title belt, and Cole asks why he’s resorting to this. Cena says, “History.” Cena slips back into the ring with the belt, but Orton hits an RKO!!!
The ref stirs, Orton covers, and the ref counts! TWO!!!! The delay saves Cena and Orton is beside himself! Cena flops out of the ring, crawls off towards barriers, but Orton pursues. Orton huffs ‘n’ puffs and storms up on Cena. The fans call BS, but Orton thinks this is a good a place as any. Orton clears the desk! The ref reprimands but then Cena RAMS Orton into the ref!! The ref hits steel steps! Cena POSTS Orton, and the fans are dueling again! Cena sees the desk, and then smirks again. Cena decides to use another of Orton’s ideas, and he fireman’s carries Orton. But Orton slips free and fireman’s carries! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT onto the desk!!
Cena tumbles off the desk and to the floor! Then the desk breaks! They really made those sturdier than before. Orton mutters something while he clears space. Orton drags Cena up, SMACKS him off the pieces of the desk, then goes back to the ring. The fans fire up as Orton starts looking underneath the ring! Orton goes around the way, and tada! Orton brings out a TABLE! St. Louis fires up again as Orton sets the table up right where he found it, then he drags Cena over that way. Cena fires hands and SMACKS Orton off barriers! And off the steps! Cena fireman’s carries Orton, but Orton fights free! Orton fireman’s carries again!
Orton hits another ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT, through the table!!! Once again, Orton gives Cena his move! Orton drinks some Prime Hydration, then goes back to Cena. Orton steps over Cena to drag him back up, and he puts Cena in the ring. “This is Awesome!” but the ref is still down! Orton huffs ‘n’ puffs and he hears those voices again! Cena stirs, rises to his feet, and RKO!!! Cover, here comes a spare ref!! The count, TWO!??!?!? Another delay saves Cena and Orton is at a loss for words! The ref defends the count was fair, but Cena has the belt again! Cena aims, runs up, but Orton dodge! BELT SHOT on Eddie Durango! RKO AGAIN!!!!
Orton covers, he would’ve won ten times over! Nick Aldis and his producers hurry to ringside to finally check on both refs. Orton argues with Aldis, they need another official! Aldis says okay but there aren’t many left to work tonight! Orton is furious, so he just RKOS Aldis! And RKO for each and every producer! Even Jamie Noble!! The fans are thunderous as Orton unleashes that 2009 Viper! Orton looms over Cena, seethes, and goes with the last thing he has in his arsenal. Orton lines up a shot, Cena rises up, BUT R-TRUTH gets in the way! Truth pleads with Orton to spare his “childhood hero!” Orton just RKOS Truth!!
Cena is up, and he LOW BLOWS Orton!!! The fans boo, but Cena isn’t done there! He has the belt, and he CLOBBERS Orton with it!!! Cena puts the belt outside, the first ref returns, and he counts the cover! CENA WINS!!!
Winner: John Cena, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Champion)
Cena’s first defense of his 17th world title is certainly one for the history books! It took multiple referees, tables, distractions, and even a friend/fan biting the bullet for him, and Cena comes out the other side still the champion. Cena takes the mic, and he shouts to cut the damn music! Cena says he doesn’t need the music, he needs competition. And he sure as hell doesn’t need the fans. “Drink it in, St. Louis. Because this is what the Last Real Champion looks like.” The fans boo as Cena holds up the title at the corner, but if this is what the Last Real Champion needs to survive the Viper, what more will it take for him to finish his Farewell Tour?
My Thoughts:
Despite the concerns from right after WrestleMania, this Backlash turned out amazing! It didn’t need a two hour preshow when there wasn’t gonna be a preshow match, but I get that they did so because this was the final Backlash for Cena, they needed time to talk about Cena becoming the 17 time world champion, and what facing Orton one more time meant to everyone. Cena VS Orton: The Final Time was definitely better than Cody VS Cena at Mania. There was a lot of talk of Cena “purposefully” giving a bad match at Mania and whether that saved it from actually being a bad match because of the meta, but I think they realized that this time, it had to be a legitimately good match.
And it was! It was great stuff from two icons of wrestling, no matter what anyone says. It’s that saying of “I’m not as good as I once was, but I’m as good once as I ever was.” It didn’t flip the classic moment of Orton slapping the ref to get disqualified, but Cena did still took out two refs through the course of this. Great stuff with Aldis and all those producers, aka former/retired wrestlers, taking RKOs so Orton could unleash his anger. And while I figured R-Truth would play a part, I didn’t think we’d get him taking an RKO. Cena of course resorts to all the cheating ways to win, but this is Heel Cena after all, what else would he do? And now there is some real intrigue as to who is next for Cena as he continues his farewell tour.
To go back to the top, awesome move with the Fatal 4 Way opening tonight. All four guys got their stuff in, it was wild, and yet, Solo Sikoa still gets involved, just as they implied last night. Additionally, Solo brought in a new member to the team, also as they implied. Personally, I still wanted Hikuleo, just so that Solo would be leading the entire Guerrillas of Destiny, but maybe they want to wait until Tama and Loa are health. At the same time, I can’t fault them for going with Jeff Cobb because he’s Jeff Cobb. Cobb is sturdy, strong, athletic, and anyone who has watched NJPW, ROH and/AEW already knows what he’s capable of. You can tell already that this only ups the tension within the faction, and we might get Cobb VS Fatu very quickly.
Lyra VS Becky was great, with Becky really doing her best to Heel her way through this. I really thought she was going to pull off a cheap win thanks to the buckle or some other trick, but Lyra does prove herself the better wrestler tonight. Now, with Lyra holding her nose and then playing up the damage to the rest of her body, they could be setting up some injury angle where she has to take time off, maybe even vacate the title. Lyra’s fiancé was right there, this could be Lyra’s out so the two of them can have their wedding and honeymoon and all that while Becky goes for the vacated title. Bayley could even return to be a major roadblock to that title, and we get a great match from Bayley VS Becky to crown a new champion.
Dom VS Penta was great, and St. Louis seems to be a Dom friendly crowd. Naturally, Judgment Day had to help, but also a logical move for El Grande Americano to get involved because of how Penta superkick’d Gable. Penta will surely confront Gable and get a match with El Grande, this can lead us into something for either Worlds Collide or Money in the Bank in June. As for Dom, things seem patched up in Judgment Day for now, but that could easily change at a drop of a hat. Honestly, Worlds Collide needs to be built starting this Monday, and maybe some AAA stars show up to call out “the greatest Intercontinental Champion/greatest Mysterio ever.”
And of course, for being a bit sudden, Gunther VS Pat was great stuff. It went about how I expected, with Pat just taking damage and getting back up. A little surprised Cole tried to help Pat cheat Gunther out of this, but it didn’t change the outcome. Gunther make Pat take a nap to get the win, but I did like the modicum of respect Gunther showed on his way out. Logan VS Jey is set for Saturday Night’s Main Event in a couple weeks, but much like Rollins, perhaps Gunther tries to change plans? Or maybe Gunther wants the Intercontinental Championship? Gunther should go for something, I’m just not sure what with all these other stories going on right now.
My Score: 9/10
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Will the Front Man have his Resurgence?
Hirooki Goto and Zack Sabre Jr. battle over the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, knowing that Shingo Takagi waits at NJPW Dominion!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Strong Survivor: Allan Breeze VS CJ Tino; Tino wins.
- Bea Priestly VS Viva Van; Priestly wins.
- Fred Rosser VS Matt Vandagriff; Rosser wins.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: World Class Wrecking Crew VS TJP & Templario; TJP & Templario win and become the new NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions.
- 8 Man Tag: Bullet Club VS The Young Bucks & The Good Brothers; The Bucks & Good Brothers win.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Tomohiro Ishii VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Ishii wins and retains the title.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS El Phantasmo; Konosuke wins and retains the title.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto VS Zack Sabre Jr; Double Pinfall Draw, Goto retains the title.
- NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Mercedes Mone VS AZM VS Mina Shirakawa; AZM wins and becomes the new NJPW Strong Women’s Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: World Class Wrecking Crew VS TJP & Templario!
No longer just for the West Coast, Royce Isaacs & Jorel Nelson are World Class! But will they start to take over the world from the West Coast? Or will the Aswang & Lion Warrior conquer them for the United Empire?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who is truly world class!
The teams sort out and then WCWC just attack! The bell rings, the fans boo, but Nelson stomps away on TJP! Isaacs TOSSES Templario, then WCWC double whip TJP. TJP leaps over the double lariat and Templario springboards to DOUBLE CROSSBODY! The fans fire up as now TJP & Temp have Isaacs. They double whip him to DOUBLE ELBOW, then roll him into a wheelbarrow and BULLDOG! The fans fire up and Temp SPLASHES the leg! And SPLASHES it again! Then stomps it! Temp wrenches Isaacs, tags TJP, and they double whip to HIP TOSS, then TJP becomes Templario’s weapon for a GOURD BUSTER SPLASH!
The fans cheer and TJP covers, TWO! TJP stays on Isaacs with an UPPERCUT! Isaacs goes to ropes, Nelson talks trash, but TJP tells Nelson to “SUCK IT!” TJP UPPERCUTS Isaacs, whips, but Isaacs catches TJP to a suplex! TJP slips free and wraps on the IRON OCTOPUS! Nelson runs in, CLUBS TJP and BLASTS Templario! Then BOOT and BACKBREAKER, into a BODY CHECK! The fans boo but Isaacs rains down fists! Tag to Nelson and WCWC wrench TJP for a DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! TJP staggers, Nelson dropkicks the legs out, then Isaacs deadlift suplexes TJP! Nelson covers, TWO! Nelson rains down forearms while the fans boo!
Nelson rains down fists, the ref reprimands, and Nelson “apologizes.” Nelson taunts Templario, bumps TJP off buckles, then tags Isaacs. Isaacs digs his boot into TJP while Nelson messes with TJP’s hair. Isaacs then BLASTS Templario while Nelson rains down fists! The ref reprimands WCWC but he also has to keep Temp from storming in. Isaacs & Nelson stomp away on TJP in the distraction and the fans boo. Isaacs taunts TJP to go tag Templario, then stomps him down! Isaacs clamps onto TJP’s arms for a motorcycle stretch! TJP endures, the fans rally, but Isaacs pulls on the arms! The fans boo WCWC while TJP still endures.
The fans rally harder for “T J P! T J P!” Nelson hijacks English commentary to talk trash, but TJP fights up to FLIP KICK Isaacs away! Isaacs hurries to whip TJP, but TJP goes Spider-Man to then slip under and RANA! The fans fire up while TJP and Isaacs crawl, hot tags to Templario and Nelson! Templario handsprings, then he fires forearms with Nelson! Templario gets the edge, trips Nelson, and things speed up. Nelson hurdles but Temp shoves. Nelson sunset flips, Temp rolls through but Nelson avoids the basement dropkick! Temp avoids a kick, rolls Nelson, but Nelson rolls through to RAM Temp! Temp comes back to SHOTGUN!
The fans fire up as Nelson tumbles out! Isaacs is in, Temp kicks but Isaacs blocks! Isaacs FLIPS Temp but Temp lands out! Isaacs whips but TJP tags in! Temp slips around Isaacs, shoves him to TJP for BOOTS, then TJP goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! WCWC regroups outside and the fans fire up. Temp holds the way open for TJP to Triangle Jump DROPKICK! Then TJP returns the favor so Temp can DIVE onto WCWC! The fans fire up with the Empire as they put Nelson back in. TJP goes up, up, and MAMBA- NO, Nelson dodges! TJP blocks a shot, SOBATS, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! Nelson dodges Temp but Temp goes up to DROPKICK back!
Isaacs is in, Temp dodges and V-TRIGGERS! Temp runs, but into a ROLLING ELBOW! All four men are down and the fans fire up! Isaacs and Temp bail out and the fans rally as TJP and Nelson go to corners. Nelson throws off the elbow pads and runs up, but into TJP’s TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up again as Nelson flounders to the apron. TJP goes up, but Isaacs ROCKS him! Isaacs goes up, and stalling SUPERPLEXES! TJP flounders back up and Isaacs LARIATS him back down! Nelson hits a MACHO ELBOW! Cover, TWO!! TJP survives and the fans fire up! WCWC is furious, they whip to SPINEBUSTER and CATAPULT, for NO VASELINE!! Cover, Temp breaks it!!
Temp fires off on WCWC then runs, but into DOUBLE ELBOWS! WCWC soak up the heat, but they miss the Templarooni! The fans fire up as Temp dodges and uses Nelson to get up and RANA Isaacs! Temp then whips, Nelson reverses, but Temp drop toeholds Nelson into buckles! Wheelbarrow and GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up, but Isaacs is back! He POP-UP UPPERCUTS Temp down! The fans boo but Isaacs drags Temp back up. Isaacs whips, Temp reverses, and TJP goes up and over to TORNADO- NO, Isaacs stops that! TJP waistlocks, Isaacs switches, but TJP ducks so Temp’s SUPERKICK hits Isaacs!
Temp runs up on Nelson, Nelson slips around to waistlock Temp, but TJP waistlocks Nelson! Nelson steps through the O’Conner but TJP reaches up to headscissor Nelson forward for Temp to reel in and pick up! EL TEMPLO!! TJP goes up to MAMBA SPLASH!! Cover, ISAACS BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! TJP rises and THROWS Isaacs out! TJP aims to PLANCHA! Down goes Isaacs! Temp kicks away on Nelson, ENZIGIRIS, and TJP joins in. TJP Electric Chair Lifts and Temp goes up! Temp tightrope walks, FLYING FOREARM DOOMSDAY!! Cover, TWO!! Nelson survives and TJP is beside himself!
The fans rally up as TJP rises. Isaacs rolls back in, TJP holds him down with a facelock. Temp steps in, they double suplex, but Isaacs fights that to DOUBLE SUPLEX! TJP & Temp fight that, but Nelson anchors Temp! Isaacs shoves TJP into Temp, but TJP fireman’s carries Isaacs! Isaacs fights free, gut wrenches, but TJP turns that around!? Isaacs turns it back around, SPINNING TOMBSTONE!! Nelson whips Temp and pops him up, POWERBOMB! Another catapult, another fireman’s carry, and again, NO VASELINE!! Temp writhes and the fans boo, but WCWC kips up! They keep after Temp with another fireman’s carry.
Nelson and Isaacs take Temp to a corner, and Nelson steps on Temp’s back to- NO, TJP avoids the splash! Temp slips free to ENZIGIRI Isaacs! Nelson CLAWS TJP’s eyes and goes up another corner, to POP THE- NO, TJP catches Nelson to a backslide, but Nelson rolls through to cradle! Temp tips it over, THE UNITED EMPIRE WINS?!?
Winners: TJP & Templario, by pinfall (NEW NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions)
Nelson is stunned! He thought he had it, but the Lion Warrior gave Captain TJP the much needed assist! Nelson throws a fit before he and Isaacs storm off. Will all of NJPW, all over the world, soon belong to the United Empire?
8 Man Tag: Bullet Club VS The Young Bucks & The Good Brothers!
The War Dogs are still coming fresh off their win against The House of Torture, and now claim the right to be called THE Bullet Club! However, the Founding Fathers of Bullet Club seem to take offense. Matthew & Nicholas Jackson reunite with Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson, will they #ShowUsTheLight? Or will we see that David Finlay, Gedo, Gabe Kidd & Clark Connors are the ones that’re #JustTooSweet?
The fans bark for the War Dogs, and then they throw up their Too Sweet. The fans chant, “Too Sweet! WOOP WOOP!” and the Founding Fathers raise theirs, but the War Dogs attack! The bell rings, the fans are torn, but the brawl is on! Things spill out to the outside, Karl fires hands on Gedo, Finlay THROWS Matt over barriers, and then goes after Matt in the crowd! The fans fire up as Karl CLAWS Gedo’s face! Gabe sends Gallows into railing, but Nick TOSSES Finlay to ringside! Connors has Matt now and they brawl. Gedo CLAWS Karl’s face in return! Gabe and Gallows return to ringside, then go up the ramp.
Gabe and Gallows brawl, shout at each other, and then Gabe CHOPS! Gallows UPPERCUITS! Matt ROCKS Connors, and Finlay has Nick on the stage! Nick fights the suplex, then SUPERKICKS Finlay down the stairs! Finlay tumbles, Gallows CLUBS him, and they all set up for Nick to run and FLY! Nick bowls them all over and the fans fire up! Matt puts Connors in and Nick puts him in a corner. The Bucks whip Connors to a corner, then Matt LARIATS! Nick LARIATS! Karl JUMP KICKS! Gallows SPLASHES! Gallows scoops Connors and SLAMS him down! The fans rally up as Matt goes to a corner. He FLIES out onto Gabe & Finlay!
Anderson SENTONS Connors, Gallows SPLASHES, and then the Bucks coordinate! RISKY BUSINESS! The fans fire up for the Founding Fathers, and they call for the Too Sweet! The fans cheer as they wind up, but the War Dogs attack again! Finlay fires off on Matt, Gabe HEADBUTTS Gallows, Gedo has Karl and Connors has Nick! The War Dogs climb up in the corners, and they rain down fists! The fans count along, and we go all the way up to TEN! That’s forty total and the fans cheer! The War Dogs toss everyone out but Karl, and Gedo stomps him. Gabe SMACKS Gallows off railing, and Connors drags Karl up.
Connors whips Karl to the corner hard and Karl falls to the mat! Connors puts Karl in place, runs, and hits an ELBOW DROP! Connors drags Karl up, brings him around, and whips him into Finlay’s boot! Connors tags Gedo but Finlay digs his boots in. The ref counts, Gedo argues with him, but that lets Finlay & Gabe CHOKE Karl! Gedo storms up but Karl CHOPS him first! And CHOPS, but Gedo blocks to poke Karl in the eyes! The fans are torn, but Gedo CLAWS at Karl’s eyes! The ref reprimands and counts, and Gedo stops at 4. Gedo looms over Karl, pulls him back, and CLAWS at his face again!
The fans boo, the ref counts, and Gedo stops at 4. The fans are torn as Gedo throws up the Too Sweet, then he tags Finlay. Finlay stomps Karl to a corner, stomps a mudhole in, but stops as the ref counts. The fans rally and duel as Finlay stands Karl up. Finlay UPPERCUTS, runs corner to corner, and UPPERCUTS again! Finlay suplexes and THROWS Karl, then pushes him down for a cocky cover. TWO, but Finlay drags Karl away from his corner. Finlay bends Karl’s fingers while Gabe & Connors BLAST the OGs! Gabe grabs a mic to talk trash during the match! Gabe stomps Karl, and mockingly asks if this is 2013 again, when those “14-year-olds were still cool?”
Gabe mocks the Bucks and say they’re the Young CUCKS, because they’re bigger virgin nerds than anyone in this building! And F YOU, too!! Gabe tells Karl and Gallows that HE’s the resident bald white guy in NJPW now! But then Karl CHOPS Gabe! And CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Gabe DECKS Karl, the War Dogs BLAST the OGs, then Connors feeds Karl to Finlay. Karl dodges, sends Finlay into Connors, but Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe whips, Karl reverses, SPINEBUSTER! Hot tag to Gallows! The fans fire up as Doc BOOTS Connors, ROUNDHOUSES Finlay, and YAKUZA KICKS Gedo! Gallows whips Connors into Finlay!
Gallows runs to SPLASH them both, then runs to CROSSBODY Finlay & Connors! The fans fire up but Gabe attacks! Gab e BITES Gallows’ head, talks trash, but Gallows UPPERCUTS! Gabe COMEBACK- NO, he runs into the 12 STEP PROGRAM! Both men are down from that modified Sky High and the fans fire up! Hot tags to Finlay and Nick! Connors still jumps in with Finlay but Nick rallies on them with his strike fest combo! SHINING WIZARD for Finlay, then a BULLDOG LARIAT COMBO! The fans fire up again and Nick tags Matt. The Bucks mug Gabe, double whip, but Gabe reverses. Nick goes up and Matt SUPERKICKS!
Matt cravats, Nick helps, ASSISTED SLICED BREAD! SHINING WIZARD! Finlay is up, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS hit him first! Matt puts Finlay in the ropes, Nick goes up, DRAPING SWANTON! Cover, TWO! Finlay survives but Matt tags Karl. Gallows joins in and the fans rally up. Gallows reels Finlay in, but Connors SPEARS him! Finlay hits Karl with an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! But he gets DSOUBLE SUPERKICKS again! The Bucks fake Connors out to DOUBLE DDT! Gabe blocks a kick, sends it into Matt, then UPPERCUTS! But Nick SUPERKICKS in return! Gabe rebounds, but into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS!
Gabe rebounds again, to DOUBLE LARIAT! Gallows is back, he and Gabe DOUBLE LARIAT! And DOUBLE LARIAT! Gabe CHOPs, CHOPS, and UPPERCUTS! Gabe runs, into a GUN STUN!! We never thought that move would return to NJPW but here we are! Finlay flounders, hot tag to Gedo! Gedo JAWBREAKERS Karl, SUPERKICKS, and the rest of the Dogs hold down the OGs! Gedo mule kicks Karl now to GEDO CLUTCH! TWO!!! Karl escapes and the fans fire up! GUN STUN for Gedo!! Gabe runs up, dodges, COMEBACKER!! Gallows ROUNDHOUSES Gabe!
Connors & Finlay mug Gallows, double whip him, then Connors runs in, only for Gallows to DUMP him! Gallows DUMPS Finlay, too! YAKUZA KICK for Gedo, and into the E V P TRIGGER!! Matt says that’s not enough! Nick climbs up to be on Gallows’ shoulders! SUPER T K DRIVER!! The Bucks PLANCHA out to wipe out the Dogs! The Good Brothers top it off with a MAGIC KILLER on Gedo!! Cover, the Founding Fathers win!
Winners: The Young Bucks & Good Brothers, by pinfall
The War Dogs are beside themselves, but the OGs of Bullet Club still got it! The War Dogs step back into the ring, they look at their “senpai” while Gedo is helped to the back. The Bucks say no hard feelings, and offer the Too Sweet. War Dogs throw it up, just to Too Sweet with each other. It seems some things aren’t “4 life” like we thought. But with the Good Brothers back in town, will things be #JustTooSweet no matter where you look?
NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Tomohiro Ishii VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!
The Stone Pitbull took this title off Gabe in the Windy City Riot, and now he defends it against another of the War Dogs! Will Ishii survive the 44 Caliber? Or will his reign not even last a full month?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really got that dog in ’em!
The bell rings and the fans rally as Drilla and Ishii get face to face. Then Drilla fires forearm after forearm! Drilla whips, Ishii reverses, but Drilla RAMS Ishii! Ishii roars so Drilla fires more forearms! Ishii eggs Drilla on and leans into the shots! Drilla keeps throwing shots but Ishii backs him down! The fans rally behind Ishii, and he DECKS Drilla into a corner! The fans fire up and Ishii shakes off those forearms. Ishii CHOPS, and CHOPS, but now Drilla eggs him on! Ishii fires forearms but now Drilla leans into the shots! The fans fire up as Drilla ROCKS Ishii. Drilla runs but Ishii CLOBBERS Drilla!
The fans fire up and Ishii suplexes, but Drilla slips free! Drilla waistlocks, Ishii fires elbows, and things speed up. Drilla hurdles, drops down, then DROPKICKS! The fans are torn but Drilla shakes out his arms. Drilla looms over Ishii, kicks him, and CHOPS him! The fans “WOO~” while Ishii wobbles, and Drilla CHOPS again! Drilla CHOPS Ishii to the corner, then CHOPS again! Ishii eggs Drilla on so Drilla winds up and CHOPS! Drilla stomps away on Ishii, the ref counts, but Drilla digs his boot in. The ref counts, Drilla steps off, and the fans rally. Drilla grins and brings Ishii up, but Ishii fires body shots!
Ishii backs Drilla down but Drilla snapmares and KICKS Ishii in the back! Ishii writhes, Drilla covers, TWO! Drilla is annoyed but Ishii is tougher than that. Drilla drags Ishii up, reels him in, and hits a BIG back suplex! Ishii sputters and rolls to the apron. The fans rally as Drilla storms over to join Ishii. Drilla drags Ishii up, reels him in, but Ishii fights the lift! Drilla pushes Ishii and ELBOWS him down! Ishii LARIATS the legs out from under Drilla! Drilla hobbles up, runs in, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM on the floor! The fans fire up while the ref checks Drilla. Drilla is okay to continue, so Ishii drags him into the ring.
Drilla goes to a corner, Ishii runs in, and LARIATS! Ishii whips, Drilla reverses, but Ishii comes back to CLOBBER Drilla! The fans fire up more as Ishii shakes off that damage. Ishii drags Drilla up, but Drilla fights the lift with elbows! Only for Ishii to shift and SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Drilla stays in this but he’s frustrated with himself. Ishii kicks at Drilla rather mockingly, and Drilla stands in a huff! Drilla ducks the haymaker to ripcord and CHOP! Then he brings Ishii in for a PILE- NO, Ishii fights that, so Drilla grabs tights for a STUFF PILEDRIVER! Ishii writhes but Drilla also grits his teeth from pain, and the fans rally up.
Drilla and Ishii stir, and Drilla rises first. Drilla drags Ishii up, CHOPS and ROCKS him on repeat, and the fans “WOO~” with every CHOP! Ishii just stares Drilla down! Drilla CHOPS, ROLLING ELBOWS, but Ishii DECKS him! The fans fire up and Ishii finally feels that damage. Ishii clutches a shoulder but he storms up on Drilla. Ishii kicks Drilla, hoists him up top, and then climbs up after him. Ishii stalling SUPERPLEXES! But Drilla’s right up!? The fans fire up and Drilla returns, but Ishii LARIATS! Drilla HAYMAKERS! Ishii HEADBUTTS! Drilla ROLLING ELBOWS, then ducks the enzigiri! Drilla runs, but Ishii stuffs the Gore!
Drilla wrenches free of the facelock, but Ishii HEADBUTTS Drilla down! The fans fire up while Ishii staggers around. Ishii roars to fire back up and the fans are with him! Drilla slowly rises, Ishii runs, but Drilla catches Ishii to a MADE IN JAPAN!??! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives Drilla using Shingo Takagi’s move and the fans fire up! Drilla goes to a corner while the fans rally up. The fans are on Ishii’s side and that pisses Drilla off. Drilla aims and runs in, but Ishii KNEES him low! Ishii stands Drilla up, but Drilla SUPERKICKS! Ishii rebounds, but into the SPINEBUSTER! Drilla gets moving again, and he GORES Ishii down!! Cover, TWO?!?
Ishii survives and Drilla is beside himself! The fans rally while Drilla and Ishii are down again. Drilla sits up and slashes his throat, vowing to end this. Drilla stands and he brings Ishii up. Drilla reels Ishii in, but Ishii fights the lift! Drilla swats a lariat, ducks the other, but Ishii ducks the enzigiri to deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Drilla and Ishii stir as the fans rally up more. They go to ropes, rise up, and they both run in! DOUBLE LARIATS! Ishii fires boxing elbows, but Drilla eggs him on! Ishii fires forearm after forearm, but Drilla DROPKICKS! Drilla runs, but Ishii LARIATS him down! Cover, TWO!
Drilla survives and the fans rally up! Ishii sits Drilla up, runs, and SLIDING- NO! Drilla catches Ishii into a clinch! URE- NO, Ishii slips free to waistlock! Drilla switches, ripcords and DROPKICKS! Drilla reels Ishii in and suplexes, for a BRAINBUSTER!! But Ishii rises?!? His fighting spirit keeps him moving, but Drilla runs to LARIAT! Ishii stays up, UPPERCUTS, and ENZIGIRIS! Both men fall again and the fans fire back up! Ishii headbutts the buckles to fire up, and the fans are with him! Ishii runs again, to LARIAT!! Drilla tumbles, Ishii pushes him to a cover, TWO!! Drilla survives but Ishii powers back up!
Ishii hauls Drilla up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Drilla slips fere! Drilla shoves, then catches Ishii to wrench and Canadian Rack! DRILLA- NO, Ishii lands out! Drilla avoids a lariat, then another, and GORES!! Cover, ONE!?!? Drilla is shocked and the fans are thunderous! Drilla goes to a corner and he aims again! Drilla runs up, but Ishii turns leg lariat into POWERBOMB! And SLIDING LARIAT!! Ishii roars, suplexes, and BRAINBUSTERS!!! Cover, Ishii wins!!
Winner: Tomohiro Ishii, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Openweight Champion)
The Stone Pitbull showed the young pup how it’s done! Will Ishii continue to prove no one is as NJPW Strong as him?
NEVER Openweight Championship: Konosuke Takeshita w/ Rocky Romero VS El Phantasmo!
It was just last week at Wrestling Dontaku that The Alpha and Headbanga battled over the NJPW World Television Championship. They went 15 minutes for a time limit draw and both men want more! Will ELP get all he can when he takes this title from Takeshita? Or will Konosuke NEVER lose again?
The introductions are made, the NEVER belt is raised, and we see who NEVER gives up!
The bell rings and the one hour time limit is on. ELP and Konosuke circle, the fans rally up, and the two tie up. Konosuke headlocks, ELP powers up and out, but Konosuke runs him over! Things keep moving, ELP stays low then hurdles over, but Konosuke leaps over. Konosuke sidesteps, ELP rolls off Konosuke’s back, but Konosuke reels him in! BLUE THUNDER- NO, ELP sunset flips! But Konosuke rolls through! ELP still reels Konosuke in and tucks the arms, but then Konosuke wrenches free! ELP dodges the lariat, but Konosuke goes Matrix to avoid Sudden Death! The fans fire up as the two are in a standoff!
Konosuke and ELP reset, circle again, and the fans are dueling. Konosuke and ELP step up, and ELP CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” and ELP eggs Konosuke on. Konosuke winds up, but then ROLLING ELBOWS! ELP falls, the fans are torn, but Konosuke stands ELP up. Konosuke whips, ELP ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard and CROSSBODY! Then he somersaults to LIONSAULT! ELP bounces off the cover, and Konosuke is up to LARIAT ELP up and out! The fans are torn but Konosuke builds speed to FLY! Down goes ELP and the fans fire up! Konosuke drags ELP up, puts him in the ring, and then clamps on with a chinlock.
ELP endures, pries at the hold, but Konosuke shifts to go for an arm. The fans rally as ELP throws body shots, but Konosuke knees low! Konosuke whips, ELP reverses, but Konosuke FLYING UPPERCUTS ELP down! Konosuke clamps onto ELP with a double wristlock! ELP endures so Konosuke changes it to a COBRA CLUTCH! ELP fights around all the same, reaches out and has the ROPEBREAK! Konosuke lets go, ELP goes to a corner, and Konosuke storms up. Konosuke whips corner to corner hard and ELP bounces off buckles! The fans rally while ELP writhes on the mat. Konosuke watches ELP as he rolls away to ropes.
Konosuke stalks ELP, drags him up, and wrenches to put him in a corner. Konosuke whips ELP corner to corner, but ELP stops short! Konosuke runs in but ELP goes up and over! ELP runs in, but into a BOOT! Konosuke hops up, but ELP GAMANGIRIS him to the floor! The fans fire up and ELP builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and Konosuke goes over railing! The fans fire up while both men are down! Konosuke rises as the ring count starts. ELP aims from the ropes! ELP did this in Japan, he’s gonna do it in California! SUPER DUPER THUNDERKISS!! Direct hit and the front row almost gets wiped out!
A Takeshita fan talks trash while showing off her Konosuke art, but Rocky is mad and throws off his jacket. ELP drags Konosuke up, CHOPS him back over the railing, and the ELP fans all “WOO~!” ELP storms after Konosuke, CHOPS him again, then puts him in the ring. Rocky gets up on the apron! The fans boo and ELP jumps, but Konosuke dodges! Konosuke then sidesteps to BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO! ELP survives but Konosuke reels him in. ELP fights the suplex, but Konosuke powers through to suplex! ELP slips free, straitjackets and torture racks! BRAIN SALAD! Cover, TWO!!
Konosuke survives, but ELP kips up and the fans fire up! ELP tunes up the band and the fans cheer him on. ELP aims at Konosuke, for SUDDEN- NO, Konosuke blocks it to fire off boxing elbows! Then a ROLLING- NO, ELP mule kicks, front kicks, but then Konosuke BOOTS! ELP BOOTS! Konosuke rebounds but ELP ENZIGIRIS! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Rocky coaches Konosuke, the fans rally for ELP, and both men rise. ELP and Konosuke go forehead to forehead, then forearm for forearm! ELP grins as the shots keep going back and forth! Both men stand, and the forearms keep going! Konosuke ROCKS ELP and eggs him on!
ELP returns to ROCK Konosuke, and the forearms fly again! The fans fire up as the shots go faster and faster! Then DOUBLE FOREARMS send both men staggering back! ELP and Konosuke go to the apron now, and the forearms fly again! The fans rally as the shots keep going, and ELP ROCKS Konosuke! And ROCKS him again! Konosuke just ROCKS ELP in return! And again, and again, and again! Konosuke has ELP up against the corner, and hoists him up! Konosuke drags ELP onto his shoulder, but ELP fights free!
ELP mule kicks, then he reels Konosuke in! Konosuke fights the tuck, so ELP kicks him low! APRON PILEDRIVER!! Konosuke falls to the floor and Rocky is stunned! We pass 10 minutes while ELP rises up. ELP hears the ring count so he refreshes it, then he goes looking under the ring! ELP brings out a table! The fans fire up but the ref reprimands. ELP ignores that to set the table up at ringside. ELP then fetches Konosuke, drags him to the apron, and tucks the arms! Konosuke fights the lift, and ROCKS ELP! Then POWER DRIVE KNEES! Konosuke reels ELP in, but ELP fights the Blue Thunder with elbows! ELP rolls into the ring, but Konosuke avoids the shoulder!
Konosuke KNEES ELP back down and the fans fire up! Konosuke drags ELP up the corner, and the fans are already worried about what he’s planning. ELP fights with body shots, and then adjusts his position on the top rope! Konosuke fires body shots, then SUPER LARIATS ELP down!! Konosuke hurries to cover, TWO!! ELP survives and Konosuke is furious! Konosuke drags ELP up, scoops him, but ELP slips free to gut wrench! But Konosuke turns that back around! TOMBSTONE!! But Konosuke holds on! Konosuke stands up, tucks ELP in, BASTARD DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and the fans fire up!
ELP shakes his head, defiant against the damage done to him. The fans rally more but Konosuke brings ELP up. But ELP wrenches out, only for the ALPHA ELBOW to knock him down! POWER DRIVE- SUDDEN DEATH!! ELP hits first and the fans fire up! ELP hurries to reel Konosuke in, but Konosuke Alabama Lifts! And he spins ELP around for another BASTARD DRIVER!! And then a WHEELBARROW GERMAN SUPLEX!! The fans are thunderous, and ELP is right up!! LARIAT!! Cover, ONE?!!? WHAT?!?
ELP just runs again, goes up and up, and FLYING- ALPHA ELBOW!!! Cover, ONE!??! The fans are thunderous as both men defy expectations! ELP dodges a lariat to POISON-RANA!! Konosuke stands up but wobbles, and ELP ROLLING ELBOWS!! Cover, ONE?!?!?! HOW?!?! ELP shrugs it off to tune up! SUDDEN DEATH!! SUDDEN DEATH AGAIN!! And then C R 2!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Konosuke survives all of that and the fans are electric! Rocky is freaking out but “This is Awesome!” ELP is up, THUNDERKISS ATTACK! And then a somersault back to the apron, THUNDERKISS 86 SPLASH!!! Cover, ROCKY DRAGS THE REF OUT!!!
The fans boo as Azucar sours the taste of this one! The ref and Rocky argue, but ELP storms out to get Rocky! Rocky runs for it, but ELP SUPERKICKS him! ELP reels Rocky in and POWERBOMBS him through the table!! ELP goes into the ring, but the POWER DRIVE KNEE finds him! And then RAGING- CRADLE!!! TWO!!! Konosuke escapes, dodges, and ROLLING ELBOWS!! And then POWER DRIVE KNEES!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? HOW?!?!? Konosuke throws off his elbow pad, winds up, and ALPHA ELBOWS!!! Then the RAGING FIRE!!! Cover, Konosuke wins!!!
Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Champion)
ELP kept his NJPW World TV Championship, but now Konosuke has kept his NEVER Openweight Championship! Is Konosuke going to prove he isn’t just The Alpha of AEW, but the Alpha of the World?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto VS Zack Sabre Jr w/ Shane Haste!
The Fierce Warrior took this title from The Front Man at the New Beginning in Osaka, and the Goto Revolution has been on a roll these last few months. ZSJ wants the spotlight back, but there’s also a catch: The winner here must defend against Shingo Takagi at NJPW Dominion in June! Will it be out of the frying pan and into the fire for Goto? Or will this be ZSJ’s resurgence?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the G in IWGP is still for Goto!
The bell rings and the fans fire up as Goto and ZSJ stare down. Goto and ZSJ then circle, feel things out, and go around. They knuckle lock, then clinch, and ZSJ waistlocks. ZSJ shifts to a headlock but Goto wrenches out to wristlock. ZSJ rolls, bridges, spins and wrenches, but Goto headlocks! ZSJ hammerlocks, Goto goes to the ROPEBREAK, and the fans cheer this opening exchange. Goto and ZSJ reset, circle again, and the two tie up. ZSJ headlocks, grinds the hold, but Goto powers up and out. Fans sing for “OH~ Zack Sabre Junior~!” as he RAMS Goto! Goto rebounds to RUN ZSJ over!
ZSJ avoids the elbow drop, Goto avoids the Penalty Kick, and Goto hits a headlock takeover! ZSJ headscissors, Goto kips free and Goto deflects a boot, only for ZSJ to avoid the lariat! The fans cheer and the two reset again. ZSJ and Goto circle, feel things out, and ZSJ RAMS low! ZSJ whips, but Goto blocks a hip toss, only for ZSJ to do the same! ZSJ THROWS Goto down, then clamps on for the NECK TWIST! The fans fire up, and Goto goes to the apron. ZSJ steps outside and NECK TWISTS Goto again! The fans rally while ZSJ sits Goto up on the floor, and KICKS him in the back! ZSJ then UPPERCUTS, but Goto CHOPS!
ZSJ UPPERCUTS, Goto CHOPS, repeat! The fans rally while Goto falls back! ZSJ swaggers around a bit, rolls into the ring, and lets the ring count climb. Goto sits up at 7 of 20, stands at 10, and takes a moment before rolling in at 12. ZSJ kneels on Goto, the ref reprimands as they’re in the ropes, but ZSJ SNAPS the fingers! Goto bails out while clutching his hand, but the ring count starts again. ZSJ eggs Goto on, Goto shakes out the bad hand and rolls back in. ZSJ is after the hand again and SNAPS the fingers! ZSJ then wrenches the arm, steps over, and he reaches out to have the other arm! Goto endures this modified motorcycle stretch, but ZSJ wrangles him down!
ZSJ has a DOUBLE MOUNTED ARMBAR! Goto endures, the fans duel, and ZSJ pulls on the arms! Goto kicks around to the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go and kicks at Goto. ZSJ scuffs Goto, taunts him with more kicks, but Goto sits up. ZSJ kicks at Goto while taunting him more and more. Goto scowls and stands up. They shoulder bump each other, but then Goto CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS back, then storms up on Goto in a corner. ZSJ pushes Goto, slaps him around, but Goto SLAPS! Goto CHOPS, ZSJ UPPERCUTS, and ZSJ uppercuts. Goto reverses, runs in, but into a BOOT!
ZSJ runs, but Goto follows to LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Goto rises, he drags ZSJ up, and he ROCKS ZSJ with forearm after forearm! Goto whips, runs in, and MURAMASA! SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Goto stays focused and he brings ZSJ up. ZSJ fights the lift, pulls on an arm, and ZSJ wrenches. Goto fires forearms but ZSJ PELES the arm! Goto staggers, ZSJ runs, but then Goto follows again! Only for ZSJ to wrangle Goto to a FUJIWARA! Goto fights, ZSJ traps that arm, and then gets the other arm again! Goto endures the DOUBLE FUJIWARA! The fans rally, Goto fights around, but ZSJ steps over! Goto still gets the ROPEBREAK!
ZSJ lets go in frustration but the fans rally back up. Goto sputters but ZSJ stands him up. ZSJ UPPERCUTS Goto, has him on the ropes, then UPPERCUTS again! And again! ZSJ whips, Goto reverses, fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Goto and ZSJ stir, rise up, and Goto brings ZSJ up to ROCK him with a forearm! Goto eggs ZSJ on, so ZSJ ROCKS him back! Goto ROCKS ZSJ again, and again, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Goto ROCKS ZSJ, ZSJ UPPERCUTS, and repeat! They go faster and faster, harder and harder, and the fans fire up more! ZSJ UPPERCUTS again and again, but Goto spins him! URA GTR!
Goto runs and LARIATS ZSJ down! The fans fire up and we’re only at ten minutes! The fans hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” and considering there’s a one hour limit on this, they can definitely keep going! Goto rises and fires up again. Goto stands ZSJ up, but ZSJ scoops back! ZACK DRIVER!! ZSJ can’t make the cover and the fans fire up again! Shane coaches ZSJ and the fans rally again. ZSJ makes it to ropes, stands back up, and he goes to a corner. Goto sits up, ZSJ runs in, PENALTY KICK! Deep stack cover, TWO!! Goto survives and the fans cheer again. Goto goes to a corner, ZSJ goes back to his, and ZSJ aims again.
ZSJ runs in but Goto puts him in the ropes! Then DRAPING SHOTO!! Both men are down again and the fans still rally! Goto rises and powers up! ZSJ sits up, into the BUZZSAW! Goto then drags ZSJ up, fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI again! Goto roars, the fans fire up, and Goto dragon sleepers, for G T- NO, ZSJ catches the arm, backslides, TWO!! ZSJ steps over, hammerlock and then CLARKY CAT!! ZSJ has the arms trapped again but Goto fights around! ZSJ pushes on the arms for an almost standing Clarky Cat! Goto endures, even as ZSJ pushes down hard on the arms! And has a leg! CLARKY CAT: BAD BALLOON REMIX!!
Goto fights with his free leg, so ZSJ shifts to focus on just an arm, URESHI ARMBAR!! Goto endures, fights with his legs, and still manages the ROPEBREAK!! ZSJ lets go in frustration and the fans fire up again! Shane coaches ZSJ to keep on Goto and the fans duel. ZSJ waits on Goto to sit up, and then he KICKS! Goto falls over, ZSJ paces, and Goto sits back up. ZSJ KICKS again! Goto falls back over, the fans rally, and ZSJ paces again. Goto sits back up, ZSJ eggs him on, and then ZSJ PENALTY KICKS! Goto falls in another heap and the fans continue to rally and duel. ZSJ lines up another shot to KICK, KICK, KICK! Goto blocks!
ZSJ SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS, and fires off fast SLAPS! Goto HEADBUTTS him in return! Shane is worried now as Goto HEADBUTTS again and again and again! Goto SLAMS ZSJ down, runs, and LARIATS ZSJ inside-out! The fans fire up as Goto drags ZSJ back up, fireman’s carries, and G T W!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and the fans fire up again! Goto shrugs that off to drag ZSJ up and dragon sleepers, but ZSJ drops down to victory roll, then EURO CLUTCH!! TWO!!! Goto escapes in time, and he clinches to a SLEEPER! Then roll, GOTO NI SHIKI!! TWO!! Goto fireman’s carries, ZSJ sunset flips, but Goto rocks it back, TWO!
ZSJ has the sunset flip, TWO!!! Goto narrowly escapes and the fans boo! Goto and ZSJ run back in, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Then they DOUBLE LARIAT again! And DOUBLE LARIAT again! The fans rally up while both men wobble. Goto eggs ZSJ on, ZSJ runs in, but into a fireman’s carry! Throw and G T- NO, ZSJ slips through, waistlocks, O’Conner BRIDGE, but Goto has a waistlock!! DOUBLE COVER, AND THREE!?!? The ref has to explain to the timekeeper to ring the bell, and then call it a DOUBLE PINFALL DRAW!!!
Double Pinfall Draw; Goto retains the title
ZSJ is pissed with the ref, and uses a GUILLOTINE CHOKE to take him down!! ZSJ grabs the world title, tosses it down at Goto’s feet, and the fans all call BS! ZSJ undoes his wrist tape, the fans tell the ref he sucks for this one, and Goto stands up to stare ZSJ down. This draw does not sit well with either man, but ZSJ pie faces Goto! ZSJ and Shane storm off while the fans boo, but there’s nothing that can be done about this decision now. Goto survived the rematch with The Front Man, will he be so lucky against the Rampaging Dragon?
NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Mercedes Mone VS AZM VS Mina Shirakawa!
The CEO thought she was just getting one or the other for Resurgence, but that Double Count Out Draw in Chicago really upped the ante. Now both High Speed Bomb Girl and Fighting Gravure Idol get their shot, will one of them leave the Golden State wearing gold? Or will she still be #FourBeltsMone?
The introductions are made, the lavender belt is raised, and we see who is truly NJPW Strong!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Mone mocks Mina and AZM for being shorter than her, but it’s not like Mone is a towering titan herself… The fans boo Mone’s attitude as she calls for a Test of Strength. Mina and AZM tie up with Mone, then with each other. The three way Test of Strength is on, and Mina shimmies and shakes! The fans cheer but Mone is annoyed so she kicks Mina low! Mone then wrenches AZM, Gory Especials, but AZM arm-drags free! Mina arm-drags AZM, then dodges Mone. Mone ROCKS Mina, dodges AZM to arm-drag and lateral press, then rolls into the STATEMENT MAKER! AZM fights the crossface, Mina storms up and rolls things over!
Mina runs, and then slides, to hold hands with Mone and AZM as she does her dance! The fans cheer but both Mone and AZM are annoyed. They roll Mina to a DOUBLE COVER! TWO, Mina double covers them! TWO and everyone stands! AZM runs, trips Mone, and then Mina joins in for a DOUBLE DROPKICK! Mone tumbles out and the fans cheer. Mina has the fans fired up, but things speed up! AZM whips Mina to a corner, runs in, but Mina puts her on the apron! AZM slides in, sunset flips, TWO! AZM keeps moving but Mina catches her to a victory roll! TWO, AZM ducks a kick to roll Mina, but Mina rolls through!
AZM trips Mina, runs, but avoids Mone’s trip to DROPKICK Mina down! AZM kips up, the fans fire up, and then AZM runs again. But Mone trips her up right this time! The fans boo as Mone drags AZM out, SMACKS her off the apron, and throws forearms! AZM fires back, but Mina climbs up! Mina SUPER CROSSBODIES Mone & AZM both down! The fans fire up with Mina as she stands back up! Mina drags Mone up, puts her in the ring, and the fans chant, “We Want Mina!” Mina covers Mone, TWO! Mone is tougher than that and she CHOPS! Mone knuckle locks, goes up, and up, and FLYING ARM-DRAGS!
Mone does her CEO dance, the fans are torn, but Mone runs in at the corner. DOUBLE KNEES, then she brings Mina out for a facelock. Mina wrenches free to CHOP! Mina fires up, the fans are with her, and Mina knuckle locks to go up, up, shimmy and shake, then CROSSBODY onto AZM! AZM bails back out, Mina and Mone run up, and Mone wrenches to suplex! Una Amiga! Mone hits another suplex, Dos Amigas! And then THREE AMIGAS! The fans are torn as Mone gives some Latina Heat. Mone runs in at Mina, blocks her boots and puts her in the ropes! AZM runs up, but Mone gives her DEADLY NIGHTSHADE!
Mone puts AZM under Mina, and then hits a DOUBLE STOCK DROP! Cover on Mina, TWO! Cover on AZM, TWO! Back to Mina, TWO! Back to AZM, TWO! Mone grows frustrated but her opponents are just that tough. Mina and AZM bail out and the fans rally. Mone goes to the apron, runs up, and DOUBLE METEORAS to the floor! The fans fire up and Mone smirks. Mone SMACKS Mina off the apron, puts her in, and covers, TWO! Mina is still in this but Mone looms over her. Mone soaks up cheers and jeers, stomps Mina, then drags her up. Mone Gory Especials, but Mina fights to kick at the legs! Mina Gory Especials, for a GORY BOMB!!
Mina SMASHES away on Mone’s knee! Then one BIG SMASH! The fans fire up for Mina and she reels Mone in. Mina hooks up the legs, does her dance, then DOUBLE STOMPS the knees! Mone writhes but Mina steps through, KNEE JAMMER on the left leg! Mina then SLAPS Mone’s leg, steps through, and has the FIGURE FOUR! Mone endures, Mina thrashes around, but AZM DIVING STOMPS Mina! The fans fire up and AZM brings Mina in, only for Mina to power out! AZM kicks low, runs, and uses Mina to get Mone in LA MYSTICA! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! Mone endures, but Mina runs up, only for AZM to drop toehold her onto Mone!
AZM has a DOUBLE FUJIWARA, then shifts to have a DOUBLE RINGS OF SATURN!! The fans fire up as AZM makes them both suffer, but they both push over to a cover! TWO!! AZM BOOTS Mone, BOOTS Mina, and fires up! The fans cheer AZM on as she climbs, but Mone trips her up! Mone calls to Mina and Mina ROUNDHOUSES AZM! Mone & Mina talk it out, and they both climb up! They bring AZM up, but AZM resists their suplex! AZM trips them into a Double Tree of Woe, for DOUBLE WOE STOMPS!! AZM drags Mone away to a drop zone, and then she goes back up! The fans fire up as AZM aims, to DIVING DOUBLE STOMP!!!
Mone writhes, AZM covers, Mina breaks it! Mina has AZM but AZM blocks the kick! The HEEL KICK still lands, and Mina runs, tilt-o-whirls, but AZM stays up! Mone runs up to DOUBLE BACKSTABBER!! All three women are down and the fans fire up! The dueling is all over the place, and Mone grabs each opponent by their hair. AZM and Mina both break free, and AZM ROCKS Mina! Mina ROCKS Mone! Mone ROCKS Mina! AZM ROCKS Mone! The forearms go around and around, then Mina and AZM mug Mone! The fans fire up as Mina just fires off furious hands! Mina and AZM drag Mone up, double whip, but then AZM ROUNDHOUSES Mina!
AZM tilt-o-whirls at Mone, but Mone fights that to CIPHER UTAKI! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as AZM stays in this, but Mone snarls. The chants of “C E O!” and “C E NO!” echo out, but Mone bumps AZM off buckles. Mone fires off forearms, then runs corner to corner! DOUBLE KNEES, and AZM sits down! Mone runs back in and METEORAS! Cover, TWO! AZM is still in this and Mone is frustrated. Mone drags AZM up, vows to end this, and she lifts AZM, only for AZM to RANA! Mina is up top, and she FLYING SLINGBLADES AZM! Cover, but Mone breaks it! Mone covers AZM now, TWO!! Mone grows further frustrated and she hauls AZM up!
AZM fights the Gory Especial, Mina victory rolls Mone! Mina then steps through and has the legs tied up! AZM runs up but Mina spins her, DDT SNAP LOCK COMBO! The fans fire up for Mina as she Electric Chair Lifts AZM! Mina spins Azm to hit a FALLING DRAGON SCREW!! Then Mina has the leg, FIGURE FOUR! AZM endures, the fans “WOO~” and Mina puts on the pressure! Mone is back and she METEORAS Mina! The fans are torn but Mone seethes. Mone says this is HER title! She SLAPS Mina, but Mina blocks a kick! DRAGON SCREW! Mina drags AZM over to join Mone, and she has both their legs!
The fans fire up as Mina steps through for a DOUBLE FIGURE FOUR!! That’s rather tricky but she keeps it on! The fans “WOO~” more as Mina thrashes! AZM and Mone endure, keeping each other from tapping! They SLAP Mina, Mina SLAPS them! Mina puts on as much pressure as she possibly can, but Mone and AZM work together to backstroke and ROPEBREAK! Mina lets them both go and the fans fire up again. “This is Awesome!” as Mina goes for Mone, only for Mone to bail out. Mina settles for AZM as we pass 15 minutes. Mina steps through, AZM throws her off! Mina ROLLING ELBOWS, then URAKENS!
Mina runs and SHOTGUN KNEES! Cover, TWO!! AZM survives but Mina is right on her with the IMPALER DDT!! Cover, TWO!!! AZM survives yet again and Mina is frustrated. Mina calls her shot and the fans rally up again. Mina drags AZM up, brings her around, dragon sleeper and GLAMOUR- NO, Mone rolls Mina up! TWO! Mina shoves Mone, jackknife bridges, TWO! Mone sunset flips, TWO! Mone Gory Especials but MZM shoves them both over! DOUBLE STACK, TWO!! Mone Gory Especials but AZM BOOTS Mina! AZM wrangles Mone to the AZM SUSHI ROLL!! TWO!!! Mone escapes, blocks a kick, and KNEES AZM down!
Mone runs up and SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMBS AZM! A shoutout to her Role Model, then she runs back in for DOUBLE KNEES! Mone has the Gory Especial, but AZM kicks off buckles to flip up and over! DESTROYER!!! Mina grabs AZM but AZM rolls through to the SUSHI ROLL! TWO!! ROLLING ELBOW from Mina! Mina fires up, aims, but AZM dodges the uraken to LA MYSTICA!! But Mina wrangles AZM for the GLAMOROUS COLLECTION CRADLE!! But Mone breaks it! Mina TOSSES Mone, ROUNDHOUSES her, then she blocks AZM’s kick! Mone trips AZM, steps through, but AZM drags her down to a cradle! TWO!!!
Mine escapes, AZM has her again, AZM SUSHI ROLL! TWO, but AZM gives it another try!! AZM WINS!!!
Winner: AZM, by pinfall (NEW NJPW Strong Women’s Champion)
Mone is stunned! She slid in one second too late, and the High Speed Bomb Girl just blew up her reign! The Money Train just got derailed and Mone is furious! She lost a corner piece of her treasure, how will she ever recover? She also argues with Mina, shoves her, and then runs away from her! These two go all the way to the back, will Mina get after Mone for her attitude?
As for AZM, she is now a double champion in her own right! This title can now sit alongside her Artists of Stardom Trios Championship, and then gets the mic to say, “I’m a new champion!” The fans cheer that! AZM says she’s so, so happy! She got her revenge on Mone from last year, and got to be a champion for it! She thanks everyone here tonight and the fans cheer her on. “You Deserve It!” AZM says, “It’s AZM time!” The fans cheer that! AZM is ready ready to make this her NJPW Strong! It won’t be a matter of who will step, but more a matter of who can keep up with the High Speed Bomb Girl!
My Thoughts:
An awesome Resurgence here, NJPW is really doing all they can to make NJPW Strong, well, strong again. Good stuff seeing Bea Priestly back in NJPW/Stardom after her release from WWE. Vince McMahon fumbled her but she’ll be back to what she was doing before moving to NXT UK. And between the IWGP Women’s Championship almost exclusively in Stardom, and a new NJPW Strong Women’s Champion being from Stardom, Bea has her choice of title stories. Speaking of, awesome move making the women the main event given how AZM is the new champion. That was a great Triple Threat, and it worked out for the best. Mone finally loses the belt but wasn’t in the finish, and now she and Mina can bring their animosity to AEW.
Great tag title match, and a rather surprising result with TJP & Templario winning. World Class Wrecking Crew just upgraded themselves to that name, and now they’re no longer champions, that’s kinda wild. But it does feel like the United Empire is making a play to have as much gold as they can, with Khan & Callum also holding the IWGP Tag Team Championships. Great stuff with the War Dogs tonight. That 8 Man Tag was a fun time, but Gedo was in the match so duh, War Dogs were gonna lose. Plus, it gives Good Brothers a strong win with their return to NJPW. Who knows where this goes, especially with their #ShowUsTheLight gimmick. Ishii VS Drilla was also great stuff, but I figured Ishii would win. Ishii seems to be going through the War Dogs, I wonder if Connors is next.
Konosuke VS ELP was great stuff, especially after we just got great stuff from them last week. ELP retained his title so it made sense Konosuke would retain his. I am not sure who takes this title off Konosuke, but it’ll have to be an insane match to do it. And then a great match of Goto VS ZSJ, but wow I did not think they’d pull that kind of draw. The fans weren’t happy, but I can see that they wanted to keep ZSJ strong but keep the title on Goto. Goto VS Takagi better be a slugfest to make up for it, though.
My Score: 8.9/10
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